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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: KevShmev on December 09, 2021, 08:38:25 PM

Title: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2021, 08:38:25 PM
I thought we could get a little ambitious with a top 100 favorite DT songs list, and below is how (I saw this done elsewhere and thought it was a great idea). 

I will count down the top 100 Dream Theater songs in order, and they will be taken from lists of anyone who wants to send me theirs via PM. Do not post them on the forum here. Send them to me via PM.  It doesn't matter if it ends up being 3 of us (I will include mine as well), 12 or 23 people.  I will take all of the lists and come up with a top 100 based on all of them and count the songs down from 100 to 1.  Could be fun, especially with winter coming and COVID likely to keep many inside again.

Just a few rules:
-Songs must be listed from 100 to 1 in order (in reverse order), with no ties.  No having three songs at number 1 or anything like that. 100 songs, listed from 100 to 1. 
-For the sake of this countdown, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence and In the Presence of Enemies both as single songs.  Any list that lists any of the individual Six Degrees... tracks individually or breaks up the two In the Presence of Enemies tracks will not be counted.  Every other song from a DT studio album must be listed individually, so no combining songs from Scenes as one track for example.  Feel free to PM and ask me if you unsure of anything like that.  Non-studio album tracks like A Change of Seasons, Raw Dog, Eve, the FII demo songs, etc., are all fair game.
-This one is important: NO SONGS FROM A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD MAY BE INCLUDED.  I personally think the new car smell is still too powerful to include them.  My game, my rules. :)
-Anyone wanting to submit a list must do so by December 26th.  I will then begin the countdown later that week, probably over New Year's weekend, but maybe a touch earlier if I am that quick in tallying up the lists.


The list will be tallied numerically in a simple way. On each list, whatever song is at number 1 gets 100 points, number 2 gets 99 points, number 3 gets 98 points, etc.

Feel free to post in this thread as well that you have PM'd me, a) so I do not miss it :lol), and b) so it bumps it back up for others who may want to participate to see.

Top 100:

01 Learning to Live
02 A Change of Seasons
03 Octavarium
04 Metropolis Part 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
05 Voices
06 Breaking All Illusions
07 Trial of Tears
08 Home
09 Scarred
10 Finally Free
11 In the Name of God
12 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
13 The Glass Prison
14 The Count of Tuscany
15 Surrounded
16 Bridges in the Sky
17 Lines in the Sand
18 Fatal Tragedy
19 The Mirror
20 At Wit's End
21 Space Dye Vest
22 Blind Faith
23 Illumination Theory
24 Strange Deja Vu
25 In the Presence of Enemies
26 Take the Time
27 Pull Me Under
28 The Spirit Carries On
29 Under a Glass Moon
30 Beyond This Life
31 Disappear
32 Wait for Sleep
33 Misunderstood
34 The Root of All Evil
35 (t) Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
35 (t) The Bigger Picture
37 Outcry
38 Overture 1928
39 Barstool Warrior
40 Endless Sacrifice
41 These Walls
42 Hell's Kitchen
43 Fall into the Light
44 Another Day
45 Panic Attack
46 The Great Debate
47 The Dance of Eternity
48 The Killing Hand
49 Pale Blue Dot
50 Stream of Consciousness
51 This Dying Soul
52 Erotomania
53 Sacrificed Sons
54 6:00
55 A Nightmare to Remember
56 The Enemy Inside
57 Innocence Faded
58 Surrender to Reason
59 (t) Lie
59 (t) Lost Not Forgotten
61 Peruvian Skies
62 The Shattered Fortress
63 Caught in a Web
64 Behind the Veil
65 One Last Time
66 The Ministry of Lost Souls
67 Beneath the Surface
68 A New Beginning
69 Hollow Years
70 S2N
71 As I Am
72 Raise the Knife
73 On the Backs of Angels
74 This Is the Life
75 Only a Matter of Time
76 A Fortune in Lies
77 The Best of Times
78 The Dark Eternal Night
79 Ytse Jam
80 The Silent Man
81 Honor Thy Father
82 Constant Motion
83 The Gift of Music
84 Moment of Betrayal
85 Three Days
86 The Path That Divides
87 Ravenskill
88 A Life Left Behind
89 Vacant
90 New Millennium
91 To Live Forever
92 The Looking Glass
93 I Walk Beside You
94 Through Her Eyes
95 Forsaken
96 Afterlife
97 Our New World
98 A Savior in the Square
99 Never Enough
100 The X Aspect
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 09, 2021, 08:40:24 PM
But you don't have time to join a roulette? :lol
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2021, 08:40:51 PM
I didn't then...now I do.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 09, 2021, 08:42:48 PM
What about live songs that are quite different to the studio versions like..

Hollow Years from Bukokan, or Space Dye Vest from Boston?
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 09, 2021, 08:49:56 PM
I'll play. I'll work on my list over the next few days.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 09, 2021, 09:30:46 PM
I am horrible at ranking things. I can to a Top 5/10 of certain items (movies, songs, pizza toppings, etc...), but that's where I max out. I have no idea how to distinguish between my 36th and 37th favorite anything.

That being said, I might try and tackle this over the weekend.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2021, 09:44:33 PM
What about live songs that are quite different to the studio versions like..

Hollow Years from Bukokan, or Space Dye Vest from Boston?

Specific versions are not ranked.  A song can be ranked only once in the top 100.  You can base your ranking on whatever version you want, but list just the song itself.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on December 09, 2021, 09:56:34 PM
Strictly originals or can covers be included? What about live only tracks such as Barfbag, Bombay Vindaloo and the Canadian Rap?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 09, 2021, 10:07:26 PM
Is there a list of all the songs somewhere that lazy people like me can build off of?
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 09, 2021, 11:17:55 PM
I'm game for this....Will be fun to do now that school is nearly done for the semester.

I will say though, that each top whatever list that I do is not set it stone. It's based on how I feel at that very moment when I do the list. So my top 100 list will be a culmination of those feelings I have for the songs in the moments of setting up the top 100. That is only for the songs that are below the top 10. The top 10 are set in stone basically, but some have fallen and risen with the release of newer albums.



Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 10, 2021, 04:46:09 AM
NO SONGS FROM A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD MAY BE INCLUDED. 

Oh no, whatever will I do. 

Just kidding, no song was making mine anyway.  :lol

Wait, I don't have time for this.

Edit:  Ah boxing day cut-off, yeah I'll do this.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 10, 2021, 04:47:45 AM
Is there a list of all the songs somewhere that lazy people like me can build off of?

I'll probably just use Wikipedia.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 10, 2021, 04:51:46 AM
I'm game for this....Will be fun to do now that school is nearly done for the semester.

I will say though, that each top whatever list that I do is not set it stone. It's based on how I feel at that very moment when I do the list. So my top 100 list will be a culmination of those feelings I have for the songs in the moments of setting up the top 100. That is only for the songs that are below the top 10. The top 10 are set in stone basically, but some have fallen and risen with the release of newer albums.

That sounds crazy.

I might make mine on a culmination of feelings I'll have for the songs in 20 years.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Elite on December 10, 2021, 06:13:49 AM
What the heck, I'll join.

Can we vote for NOMAC tracks?
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2021, 06:16:44 AM
Strictly originals or can covers be included? What about live only tracks such as Barfbag, Bombay Vindaloo and the Canadian Rap?  :biggrin:

Originals only, no covers.  Covers would likely be a wasted vote anyway since I can't imagine most would include them, meaning any you'd list wouldn't make the cumulative top 100, but that's neither here nor there.  No covers.

Live only songs, sure.

Is there a list of all the songs somewhere that lazy people like me can build off of?

I'll probably just use Wikipedia.

Good call.

What the heck, I'll join.

Can we vote for NOMAC tracks?

Yes. 

Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 10, 2021, 06:53:53 AM
Here are all the songs, numbered in chronological order to make it easier on those than want to play. Assuming is ok to include Viper King, even if it is a bonus.

Updated to include non-album tracks.

When Dream and Day Unite
1.A Fortune in Lies
2.Status Seeker
3.Ytse Jam
4.The Killing Hand
5.Light Fuse and Get Away
6.Afterlife
7.The One Who Helps to Set the Sun
8.Only a Matter of Time

Images and Words
9.Pull Me Under
10.Another Day
11.Take the Time
12.Surrounded
13.Metropolis, Pt. 1: the Miracle and the Sleeper
14.Under a Glass Moon
15.Wait For Sleep
16.Learning To Live

Awake
17.6:00
18.Caught In a Web
19.Innocence Faded
20.Erotomania
21.Voices
22.The Silent Man
23.The Mirror
24.Lie
25.Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
26.Scarred
27.Space-Dye Vest

Falling Into Infinity
28.New Millennium
29.You Not Me
30.Peruvian Skies
31.Hollow Years
32.Burning My Soul
33.Hell's Kitchen
34.Lines In the Sand
35.Take Away My Pain
36.Just Let Me Breathe
37.Anna Lee
38.Trial of Tears

Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
39.Regression
40.Overture 1928
41.Strange Deja Vu
42.Through My Words
43.Fatal Tragedy
44.Beyond This Life
45.Through Her Eyes
46.Home
47.The Dance of Eternity
48.One Last Time
49.The Spirit Carries On
50.Finally Free

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
51.The Glass Prison
52.Blind Faith
53.Misunderstood
54.The Great Debate
55.Disappear
56.Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence

Train of Thoughts
57.As I Am
58.This Dying Soul
59.Endless Sacrifice
60.Honor Thy Father
61.Vacant
62.Stream of Consciousness
63.In the Name of God

Octavarium
64.The Root of All Evil
65.The Answer Lies Within
66.These Walls
67.I Walk Beside You
68.Panic Attack
69.Never Enough
70.Sacrificed Sons
71.Octavarium

Systematic Chaos
72.In the Presence of Enemies
73.Forsaken
74.Constant Motion
75.The Dark Eternal Night
76.Repentance
77.Prophets of War
78.The Ministry of Lost Souls

Black Cloud and Silver Linings
79.A Nightmare To Remember
80.A Rite of Passage
81.Wither
82.The Shattered Fortress
83.The Best of Times
84.The Count of Tuscany

A Dramatic Turn of Events
85.On the Backs of Angels
86.Build Me Up, Break Me Down
87.Lost Not Forgotten
88.This is the Life
89.Bridges In the Sky
90.Outcry
91.Far From Heaven
92.Breaking All Illusions
93.Beneath the Surface

Dream Theater
94.False Awakening Suite
95.The Enemy Inside
96.The Looking Glass
97.Enigma Machine
98.The Bigger Picture
99.Behind the Veil
100.Surrender To Reason
101.Along For the Ride
102.Illumination Theory

The Astonishing
103.Descent of the Nomacs 1
104.Dystopian Overture
105.The Gift of Music
106.The Answer
107.A Better Life
108.Lord Nafaryus
109.A Savior In The Square
110.When Your Time Has Come
111.Act of Faythe
112.Three Days
113.The Hovering Sojourn
114.Brother, Can You Hear Me?
115.A Life Left Behind
116.Ravenskill
117.Chosen
118.A Tempting Offer
119.Digital Discord
120.The X Aspect
121.A New Beginning
122.The Road To Revolution
123.2285 Entr'acte
124.Moment of Betrayal
125.Heaven's Cove
126.Begin Again
127.The Path That Divides
128.Machine Chatter
129.The Walking Shadow
130.My Last Farewell
131.Losing Faythe
132.Whispers On The Wind
133.Hymn of A Thousand Voices
134.Our New World
135.Power Down
136.Astonishing

Distance over Time
137.Untethered Angel
138.Paralyzed
139.Fall Into The Light
140.Barstool Warrior
141.Room 137
142.S2N
143.At Wit's End
144.Out Of Reach
145.Pale Blue Dot
146.Viper King

Non-studio:
147. A Vision
148. Another Won
149. Cover My Eyes
150. Cry for Freedom
151. Don't look past me
152. March of the Tyrant
153. Raise The Knife
154. Speak To Me
155. The Way It Used to Be
156. To Live Forever
157. Two Far
158. Vital Star
159. Where Are You Now
160. You Majesty
161. Eve
162. Raw Dogs
164. The Holiday Spirit Carries On
165. Another Hand
166. Moon Bubbles
167. Slow Motion
168. Bombay Vindaloo
169. Barfbag
170. Awake Jam
171. Gladiator Theme
172. A Change of Seasons
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Elite on December 10, 2021, 07:02:16 AM
Non-studio album tracks like A Change of Seasons, Raw Dog, Eve, the FII demo songs, etc., are all fair game.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 10, 2021, 07:03:27 AM
I'm game for this....Will be fun to do now that school is nearly done for the semester.

I will say though, that each top whatever list that I do is not set it stone. It's based on how I feel at that very moment when I do the list. So my top 100 list will be a culmination of those feelings I have for the songs in the moments of setting up the top 100. That is only for the songs that are below the top 10. The top 10 are set in stone basically, but some have fallen and risen with the release of newer albums.

That sounds crazy.

I might make mine on a culmination of feelings I'll have for the songs in 20 years.

There's just too many songs, from my favorite band, that I enjoy it's difficult for me to have a definitive ranking. Even within a year, it'll change. I actually do not have a definitive top anything list for a lot of things. But, Dream Theater is the only band where I enjoy a lot of the songs and have a hard time ranking. Dream Theater is the only band where I have all their albums.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 10, 2021, 07:13:39 AM
Non-studio album tracks like A Change of Seasons, Raw Dog, Eve, the FII demo songs, etc., are all fair game.

Yes I know, I said maybe I'll update the post to include them, but I guess I have no choice now, do I?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 10, 2021, 07:30:56 AM
Here are all the songs, numbered in chronological order

V, thank you. I can drop this into an excel spreadsheet and click and drag.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: krands85 on December 10, 2021, 07:33:32 AM
Here's a big wikipedia list as well:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_recorded_by_Dream_Theater

I'll probably give this a go, I've already got a playlist of my favourites that's got about 75 tracks on it, so I'll just need to add some more and tweak things a little.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 10, 2021, 08:07:50 AM
Updated to include non-album tracks. Let me know if I missed anything.

Here are all the songs, numbered in chronological order

V, thank you. I can drop this into an excel spreadsheet and click and drag.

I had it on an excel sheet and decided to keep it as a plain-old-boring list  :mehlin
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 10, 2021, 09:39:52 AM
Great work, Vmadera00!
Just a thought, since you included You Not Me (demo), maybe, it would be interesting also to include Take Away My Pain and Burning My Soul demos because they differ a lot from the album's versions. I know, this can open a can of worms (Lines in the Sand, Pull Me Under, ACOS demos), but still...
Your criteria was to include non-album tracks that the titles weren't released officially as songs in the proper albums?
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2021, 09:59:16 AM
Great job indeed, but to clarify, there will be no differentiation between versions.  You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version).  Any list listing any song more than once like that will not be counted.  If someone lists Burning My Soul, they can base their ranking off of the studio version or the demo, but one cannot list both versions in their top 100.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 10, 2021, 10:43:32 AM
The new album should be included.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on December 10, 2021, 11:20:22 AM
Updated to include non-album tracks. Let me know if I missed anything.
You missed the live-only tracks they've done:
Another Hand (although I personally think of it primarily as an intro to TKH)
Moon Bubbles
Slow Motion
Bombay Vindaloo
Barfbag
Awake Jam
Lost Without You (yes I know JP has his on his first solo album, but it was originally played at DT shows 10 years before)
Gladiator Theme
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 10, 2021, 11:29:06 AM
Thanks, I wasn't sure about the live-only tracks but updated and added, also included A change of Seasons  :facepalm:

I'll let Kev decide if he wants to allow Lost Without You to be included, since it is known mainly from Suspended Animation.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: ZirconBlue on December 10, 2021, 12:45:14 PM
Great job indeed, but to clarify, there will be no differentiation between versions.  You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version).  Any list listing any song more than once like that will not be counted.  If someone lists Burning My Soul, they can base their ranking off of the studio version or the demo, but one cannot list both versions in their top 100.


Ah, but what about "You OR Me"?  ;)
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on December 10, 2021, 01:20:01 PM
Great job indeed, but to clarify, there will be no differentiation between versions.  You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version).  Any list listing any song more than once like that will not be counted.  If someone lists Burning My Soul, they can base their ranking off of the studio version or the demo, but one cannot list both versions in their top 100.
Ah, but what about "You OR Me"?  ;)
Better yet, what about the original Metropolis part II?   :biggrin:

BTW Vadera00, you forgot the Canadian Rap! (just kidding)
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Grandepapa on December 10, 2021, 01:34:23 PM
Genuine question:
Do we have to list EXACTLY 100 songs? I love Dream Theater and I try to familiarize myself with their whole discography, but as it stands right now there are probably only about 85 DT songs that I know well enough to really decisively rank.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2021, 02:19:37 PM
The new album should be included.

-This one is important: NO SONGS FROM A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD MAY BE INCLUDED.  I personally think the new car smell is still too powerful to include them.  My game, my rules. :)
 

Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2021, 02:20:16 PM


I'll let Kev decide if he wants to allow Lost Without You to be included, since it is known mainly from Suspended Animation.

Nah. That would be like putting Another Dimension on there because DT played it live.  Let's stick to DT originals.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2021, 02:21:37 PM
Great job indeed, but to clarify, there will be no differentiation between versions.  You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version).  Any list listing any song more than once like that will not be counted.  If someone lists Burning My Soul, they can base their ranking off of the studio version or the demo, but one cannot list both versions in their top 100.


Ah, but what about "You OR Me"?  ;)

Nope. Demos that turned into songs that ended up studio albums are off limits.  Let's not make this difficult, peeps. :)
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2021, 02:22:35 PM
Genuine question:
Do we have to list EXACTLY 100 songs? I love Dream Theater and I try to familiarize myself with their whole discography, but as it stands right now there are probably only about 85 DT songs that I know well enough to really decisively rank.

Yes.  Sounds like a good opportunity to binge listen and get that number up.  :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 10, 2021, 02:25:37 PM
The new album should be included.

-This one is important: NO SONGS FROM A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD MAY BE INCLUDED.  I personally think the new car smell is still too powerful to include them.  My game, my rules. :)
 


Are you saying we can't be objective? There's plenty of people that think the new car ..smells.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2021, 03:31:44 PM
The new album should be included.

-This one is important: NO SONGS FROM A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD MAY BE INCLUDED.  I personally think the new car smell is still too powerful to include them.  My game, my rules. :)
 


Are you saying we can't be objective? There's plenty of people that think the new car ..smells.

 :lol :lol
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 10, 2021, 03:35:59 PM
I just think the people that have fresh love for it will cancel out the people that cast it aside right away.

I have excellent judgement and know right where the songs belong on a Top 100 list. ;D

They should be included.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 10, 2021, 05:19:52 PM
The new album should be included.

Nah.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 10, 2021, 05:42:28 PM
Do I compiled my top 100. Have a spread sheet going, color coded and everything.

Now just need to rank them in order
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 10, 2021, 06:13:23 PM
You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version). 

I pray that this does not present a problem for anyone....
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 10, 2021, 06:48:56 PM
You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version). 

I pray that this does not present a problem for anyone....

 :lol
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 10, 2021, 07:50:38 PM
I think the solution here is to push this out a few months and including the new album. Waiting till April for example would be around 6 months since release day. Would hate to see an undertaking like this without it.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2021, 07:53:41 PM
Nope, it is going forward as planned.  If you do not like the rules, no one is forcing you to participate, and I would respectfully ask that anyone who disagrees not be a killjoy and piss all over this thread, as this is meant to be a fun exercise.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: NoFred on December 10, 2021, 09:02:56 PM
Will try my hand at my top 106 then send over the 100 that qualify. It *is*a little mental gymnastics to ignore the new ones since they’re getting the most listening time.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: 425 on December 11, 2021, 02:15:35 PM
Glad I checked the DT side and saw this. This could be fun. I've been thinking about coming up with a new list, but don't have the time at all to the whole countdown list with writeups thing. I'll work on this over the weekend and try to get you a list.

And for what it's worth, I agree with excluding the new album. I'd put the timeline at something like six months before including a new release.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 11, 2021, 07:39:07 PM
Nope, it is going forward as planned.  If you do not like the rules, no one is forcing you to participate, and I would respectfully ask that anyone who disagrees not be a killjoy and piss all over this thread, as this is meant to be a fun exercise.  :tup :tup

Along with not allowing the new album, can you disqualify the Astonishing also?
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: DTwwbwMP on December 11, 2021, 07:57:39 PM
Nope, it is going forward as planned.  If you do not like the rules, no one is forcing you to participate, and I would respectfully ask that anyone who disagrees not be a killjoy and piss all over this thread, as this is meant to be a fun exercise.  :tup :tup

Along with not allowing the new album, can you disqualify the Astonishing also?

NO NEED! It's "self disqualifying" :rollin
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 11, 2021, 09:13:22 PM
Okay I got my songs listed out, now to arrange them in order. This is where I listen to the songs and will place them based on the listens. Let's see what gets placed where...I am amazed at how many songs Dream Theater has that were left off. I still enjoy the songs that were left off too so that's saying something on what I think about their output.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 11, 2021, 10:55:47 PM
I still got a hard time ranking the studioalbums in order, my favorite 100 songs would be a huge undertaking. I would have give it a fair shot though, if only a View was included. The rules forced me out but he, I would be stick around to see the outcome of this list.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 12, 2021, 07:27:56 AM
Nope, it is going forward as planned.  If you do not like the rules, no one is forcing you to participate, and I would respectfully ask that anyone who disagrees not be a killjoy and piss all over this thread, as this is meant to be a fun exercise.  :tup :tup

Along with not allowing the new album, can you disqualify the Astonishing also?

Any submitted list that does not include at least 5 songs from The Astonishing will be automatically disqualified.

I kid, I kid!! :P :P
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 12, 2021, 08:03:32 AM
I think my list has 7 from TA, where they will land is the question.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 12, 2021, 08:07:56 AM
I think have 13-14 in there from The Astonishing, but I think the highest one right now is at 40. 
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 12, 2021, 10:35:20 AM
Oh...I'll have plenty from The Astonishing...As of now, it's my second favorite Dream Theater album.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 12, 2021, 11:05:51 AM
So, 'Burning My Soul' from the FII demos should be listed as coming from that offering?

And, what about 'Instrumedley' from 'Live at Budokan'?

What format do you desire?

I am going to try and participate, though life is what happens when you are busy making plans.....



Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 12, 2021, 11:31:33 AM
So, 'Burning My Soul' from the FII demos should be listed as coming from that offering?

And, what about 'Instrumedley' from 'Live at Budokan'?

What format do you desire?

I am going to try and participate, though life is what happens when you are busy making plans.....

If you're going to rank Burning My Soul, you can't list both the studio and the demo. So you're ranking either the demo or the studio. For me, I'm listing the version I prefer if it differs from the studio version, because That specific version is why I rank the song in the spot it's in.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: DTA on December 12, 2021, 12:36:52 PM
Ranking 1-10 is easy but after that it's pretty hard to objectively rank stuff. My master list has quite a bit more TA/WDADU than I expected
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 12, 2021, 12:50:21 PM
So, 'Burning My Soul' from the FII demos should be listed as coming from that offering?

 

No, just listing Burning My Soul.



And, what about 'Instrumedley' from 'Live at Budokan'?

 

No. That is a medley of bits from existing DT (and LTE) songs, so that does not count.



What format do you desire?

Just list the songs 100-1.  All you have to do is list the song.  What version you prefer does not matter.  If you list a song, it can come from any of the versions (demo, studio or live).  It all counts as the being the same.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 12, 2021, 02:32:57 PM
I'm sorry....  I meant format as to simply typed, or Excel or Word doc (if we can do that via PM)
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 12, 2021, 03:11:21 PM
Simply typed is fine.  No need for any attachments or anything.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 13, 2021, 11:05:27 AM
Really cool thread idea.  I tried something like this several years ago.  I thought it was a fun exercise.  But what I quickly found is that there are too many songs, and when you deal with lists this big, few people will actually participate.  So my only criticism is that a top 100 is too much.  Be that as it may, your thread; your rules, so I have started compiling mine.  It will take me a little while.  But here is a methodology that I think saves time and helps out quite a bit:  I took the list by album and copied it into a Word doc.  First thing is, I chopped out some that will never make a list, like most of the non-album tracks and the Nomac tracks.  Then, within each album, I ranked them.  For instance, just within Images and Words, I rearranged them to rank them 1-8.  Did that for each album.  Once I did that, I autonumbered the entire list.  I am currently at 144 songs.  The process from here is not too hard.  I just quickly scroll through and look at the top ranked song on each album and then ask myself which one I like best.  That one gets moved up to the top of the list.  First time through, that song is #1.  Then I go through and look at which remaining songs are top of each album, and ask which of those I like best.  That is #2.  And so on.  That seems to be the most efficient for how my mind works.  Hope that helps for anyone who is thinking about doing this.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 13, 2021, 11:37:57 AM
The process from here is not too hard.  I just quickly scroll through and look at the top ranked song on each album and then ask myself which one I like best.  That one gets moved up to the top of the list.  First time through, that song is #1.  Then I go through and look at which remaining songs are top of each album, and ask which of those I like best.  That is #2.  And so on.  That seems to be the most efficient for how my mind works.  Hope that helps for anyone who is thinking about doing this.

That's actually a really good process for this. I started mine list similar to yours, I cut out anything I knew was not making the list. Then I pick the songs that I knew for sure were making the list. I was left with 30 songs to pick for the last 15 spots, which was easy to do.

Ranking them now is what's taking longer, so I might apply your method to the remaining songs.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 13, 2021, 12:07:38 PM
Then, within each album, I ranked them.  For instance, just within Images and Words, I rearranged them to rank them 1-8.  Did that for each album.  Once I did that, I autonumbered the entire list.  I am currently at 144 songs.  The process from here is not too hard.  I just quickly scroll through and look at the top ranked song on each album and then ask myself which one I like best.  That one gets moved up to the top of the list.
That's a great idea. If I were going to do this, I would take this advice.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 13, 2021, 01:12:48 PM
Yep, that is basically how I do it. I rank the songs from each album that I think have a chance of making it, while leaving off the ones I know have zero chance.  And then I add ACOS, the FII demos and other assorted tracks into their "fake" album and rank them in order.  And then I just scan it and make the list.  Literally took like 15 minutes.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 13, 2021, 01:12:54 PM
OK, finished my top 100 as of right now.  Some could change if you asked me again an hour from now.  Sometimes, it was a tossup for 2-3 songs in a given spot.  Sometimes, there were clusters of up to maybe 10 or so songs where they could be interchangeable.  Anyhow, I misunderstood and posted mine in the thread rather than PM it to Kev, so I am deleting it.  But here are some observations:

Other than Nomac tracks that I cut out of The Astonishing, here is the breakdown of how many did NOT make the cut from each album:
-WDADU:  3
-I&W:  1
-Awake:  4
FII:  4
-SFAM:  4
-6 Degrees:  1
-TOT:  2
-8VM:  2
-SC:  3
-BCSL:  2
-ADTOE:  2
-DT12:  1
-TA:  13
-D/T:  1
-non-album tracks:  1

Pretty balanced.  But the balance is also kind of deceptive, because the top 30 or so leaned much more heavily on albums I liked more.  Once I got farther down the list, other less-favored albums had clusters of more songs. 

Anyhow, that was fun.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on December 13, 2021, 05:19:19 PM
This is a pretty cool idea, and as such I have finally compiled my rankings into reverse order and have sent to your PMs!


Also, Bosk's post of what songs didn't make the cut from each album sounds fun, so here's my personal list of those that didn't make the cut:

WDADU: 6
I&W: 2
Awake: 4
FII: 5
SFAM: 3
SDOIT: 0
TOT: 1
Octavarium: 3
SC: 2
BC&SL: 0
ADTOE: 2
DT12: 4
TA: 9 (14 if you count the NOMAC tracks)
DOT: 1
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 13, 2021, 10:42:21 PM
So I was going through DT's catalog and feeling good about my progress. Then I got to TA, and as usual with me, that album completely messes things up I haven't listened to that album in ages - not because I dislike it, I enjoy it a lot - I just never have the time to listen to it in full. And thus I don't have any confidence ranking any of those songs.

bosk, isn't it hard to rank songs across albums? Unless I am misunderstanding your methodology, which is possible. But how to do you treat a situation like how the worst song on Awake (an 11) is better than the best song on FII (a 1)?
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 14, 2021, 06:36:43 AM
The way I understood Bosk's method is that once you rank the songs within each album, you are only comparing the top ranked song from each album. Once you select one, the next one becomes the top ranked song for that album (since you already picked the top one) and you compare that one with the rest, this way you are only comparing 14 songs at a time.

Continue this process until you reach 100. It is very possible that you might pick all songs from an album before getting to another album. I'll try to finish my list today, and I am sure I'll rank all my choices from I&W higher than my choices from BC&SL.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 14, 2021, 08:27:00 AM
^Exactly.  So let's take the top 3 songs from I&W, Awake, and FII as an example.  I rank them thus:

I&W:
-1. Metropolis
-2. Learning To Live
-3. Wait for Sleep

Awake:
-1. Scarred
-2. The Mirror
-3. Voices

FII:
-1. Lines in the Sand
-2. Trial of Tears
-3. Take Away My Pain

So at first, I am just comparing Metropolis, Scarred, and Lines, since those are each in the top spot in their respective albums.  I choose Metropolis.  Now that song is gone from the album lists.  So next, I compare Learning To Live, Scarred, and Lines.  Let's say I pick LTL in this example.  Now that one is gone.  Next, I compare Wait for Sleep, Scarred, and Lines.  Now I pick Scarred, so Scarred is gone.  (My overall list so far looks like this:  1.  Metropolis, 2. LTL, 3. Scarred)  Next, I am comparing Wait for Sleep, The Mirror, and Lines.  On, and on, and on until done...
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 14, 2021, 08:28:39 AM
Oh yes that makes more sense!
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 14, 2021, 08:31:54 AM
And there's no reason why anyone has to do it that way.  I just found it faster and easier because I am only comparing 15 songs at a time instead of having to look at the entire list.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 14, 2021, 08:36:18 AM
Well said, bosk1!

As I said before, I did it exactly that way last week and found that getting it down to 100 works well, too.  Say you do your list of each album and assorted tracks and have 107 songs.  You then eyeball it and decide which 7 are your least favorite and those are out. 
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 14, 2021, 11:59:53 AM
Just looked at the revised list ('thank you') and heard the 'Gladiator Theme' for the first time.  Nice <understatement>

Made me realize that the covers from BC&SL were not listed.  The Queen medley has a soft spot in my heart, so I'd like to add that track to my list, as well as 'Odyssey' and 'To Tame A Land'.

And then there's 'Xanadu'. 
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 14, 2021, 02:34:06 PM
Sent!

This was fun to do  :coolio
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 14, 2021, 02:38:06 PM
Just looked at the revised list ('thank you') and heard the 'Gladiator Theme' for the first time.  Nice <understatement>

Made me realize that the covers from BC&SL were not listed.  The Queen medley has a soft spot in my heart, so I'd like to add that track to my list, as well as 'Odyssey' and 'To Tame A Land'.

And then there's 'Xanadu'.

Covers are not allowed.  This list is for DT originals.  :tup :tup

Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 14, 2021, 02:59:23 PM
I got it sorted and am giving it an entire listen to really see if the songs hold where they stand. Then I'll revise it again, then I will send it over. I may just go up until the deadline to submit it, because I want to get it sort of finalized...

I will say though, the list will vastly change with the inclusion of A View from the Top songs.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 14, 2021, 04:11:14 PM
I will say though, the list will vastly change with the inclusion of A View from the Top songs.

Same.  I agree with Kev that it's too early to include them in a ranking.  I wouldn't possibly be able to accurately rank them within a top 100.  But that said, I am fairly confident that at least a majority of them (if not all) would make the top 100 list.  In fact, looking at my list, I would rank them all above my bottom 7.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: geeeemo on December 14, 2021, 09:00:28 PM
I have started to listen to several records where I wasn't sure of my order for each. For a while now, I have mostly been listening to Epics, live music, DoT and View. .....But I was reminded of something....There is no bad Dream Theater. I thoroughly enjoyed songs I wouldnt have chosen to listen to, and I think 6 Degrees just became my number 3. What fun!
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 14, 2021, 09:13:47 PM
I will say though, the list will vastly change with the inclusion of A View from the Top songs.

Same.  I agree with Kev that it's too early to include them in a ranking.  I wouldn't possibly be able to accurately rank them within a top 100.  But that said, I am fairly confident that at least a majority of them (if not all) would make the top 100 list.  In fact, looking at my list, I would rank them all above my bottom 7.

I am not sure how many would make my top 100 right now, but I would have no clue where to put any of them right now.  The new car smell is still too fresh.

I have started to listen to several records where I wasn't sure of my order for each. For a while now, I have mostly been listening to Epics, live music, DoT and View. .....But I was reminded of something....There is no bad Dream Theater. I thoroughly enjoyed songs I wouldnt have chosen to listen to, and I think 6 Degrees just became my number 3. What fun!

Nice!  This is one of the intended side benefits of this, as it will get some fans here listening to the band more as the tour approaches (hopefully).  :hat :hat
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 15, 2021, 08:38:32 AM
I will say though, the list will vastly change with the inclusion of A View from the Top songs.

Same.  I agree with Kev that it's too early to include them in a ranking.  I wouldn't possibly be able to accurately rank them within a top 100.  But that said, I am fairly confident that at least a majority of them (if not all) would make the top 100 list.  In fact, looking at my list, I would rank them all above my bottom 7.

I agree as well...The album does have that new release bias still. I usually give it a year. Sometimes, they'll hold up and other times they'll drop immensely. This depends on my mentality though, because when in a certain state of mind, certain songs become heightened more. A song I didn't really like, I will suddenly enjoy.

This is why I find it a bit complicated to rank songs definitively. Meaning, my lists are not set in stone. There have been songs released that came close to taking over that number one spot. But that song holds a special place for me and it's just a song that perfectly is in tune with me.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Dream Team on December 15, 2021, 10:32:06 AM
I submitted mine. I must say it's pretty tough at 51-100; probably a lot of those songs I don't listen to that often. Probably any subsection of 10 songs from 31-100 are fairly interchangeable.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 15, 2021, 11:02:23 AM
I know I’m late to the party, but this actually sounds like a lot of fun. I am in. I will start compiling it today.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: DTwwbwMP on December 15, 2021, 03:41:15 PM
Can't do it without separating SDOIT songs >:(, and including new album. BUT, looking forward to seeing people's picks.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 16, 2021, 07:12:08 PM
I know I’m late to the party, but this actually sounds like a lot of fun. I am in. I will start compiling it today.

 :tup :tup
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Elite on December 17, 2021, 02:05:30 AM
Does it have to be 100? Or can I send you a top 50 as well and you just don't count those?
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 17, 2021, 05:44:38 AM
Does it have to be 100? Or can I send you a top 50 as well and you just don't count those?

Has to be 100.  No more, no less. :)
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 17, 2021, 06:43:30 AM
I will join, sounds fun!

I think an easy way to do this is to copy and paste the list of songs earlier in the thread into this website (https://rankingengine.pubmeeple.com/). Just click “Music” as your category, paste the full list of songs in one shot, and it will separate them all into individual choices. Then it randomly puts 2 songs at a time for you to choose from and will automatically rank them for you based on your responses.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Elite on December 17, 2021, 07:33:24 AM
I will join, sounds fun!

I think an easy way to do this is to copy and paste the list of songs earlier in the thread into this website (https://rankingengine.pubmeeple.com/). Just click “Music” as your category, paste the full list of songs in one shot, and it will separate them all into individual choices. Then it randomly puts 2 songs at a time for you to choose from and will automatically rank them for you based on your responses.

WOW! This is amazing, thank you!
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on December 17, 2021, 09:22:50 AM
Can't do it without separating SDOIT songs >:(, and including new album. BUT, looking forward to seeing people's picks.
You can do it. Just gauge your overall rating of the entire song (remember, it's a song, not songs) and place it within the overall song listing. That's what I did. Of course, in comparison to the majority of the rest of their catalog, it didn't make the cut, but I digress.

I've got my top 100. Just gotta try to figure out the exact order which is really really hard, since what I prefer in many cases depends on my mood.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 17, 2021, 09:28:05 AM
The entire song wouldn’t make my Top 100. Solitary Shell on its own would make the Top 50.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 18, 2021, 06:13:56 AM
I am curious to see where this would end. Me being miserable with ranking, would have a tremendous hard time to do so. Heck, I possibly can't even have a top 10 list, without changing it in a month or so.

Probably 'cause I only knew about Dream Theater since 4 years now. Maybe that's why every single album has so much to offer still, I can't devide one from another at this point. It's all too darn good.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 18, 2021, 07:27:48 PM
10 entrees so far!

Eight more days for anyone to submit a list.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 18, 2021, 07:28:21 PM
Seven more days to allow the new album.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 18, 2021, 07:38:38 PM
I used that ranking engine posted earlier and I found it EXTREMELY helpful.

I might run it through a second time just to see if I get similar results or if I want to tweak anything.

Even though it was requested to not share our personal top 100 here, I hope we have an opportunity to post ours later for all to see. I would be fascinated to see a few.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 18, 2021, 07:41:19 PM
Once the countdown is done, I'd be fine with posting all of the top 100s or if everyone who participates wants to post them themselves, that is fine as well. 
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on December 19, 2021, 05:56:38 AM
Rather than post my Top 100 list here, I'd want to do one of those "Top 50 Dream Theater songs" threads like people used to do a few years back. Maybe I'd even go a little higher than 50. I'd have to do all the writeups, but if that's something we can still do here, I'd be very interested in making one of those threads.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TAC on December 19, 2021, 09:12:16 AM
Rather than post my Top 100 list here, I'd want to do one of those "Top 50 Dream Theater songs" threads like people used to do a few years back. Maybe I'd even go a little higher than 50. I'd have to do all the writeups, but if that's something we can still do here, I'd be very interested in making one of those threads.

Go for it!!
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 20, 2021, 03:08:42 AM
Seven more days to allow the new album.

I'm in if they would.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 20, 2021, 08:31:12 AM
10 entrees so far!

Eight more days for anyone to submit a list.  :tup :tup
I'm gonna do my best to get one in.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: erciccio on December 20, 2021, 09:03:58 AM
Done and sent! I've used the engine posted above, it's the perfect tool to accomplish this task.

Keeping out AVFTTOTW is not a big issue for me, only Sleeping Giant would be in the top 50 and only The Alien, Invisible Monster and Answering the Call would be in the 100

Mine is a very I&W -centric list...

Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 20, 2021, 10:22:44 AM
I’ve run all the songs through that ranking engine twice and I have come up with some very different results. But the top six and bottom two are always identical. I’m not sure if I want to just go through it and do some tweaking and adjusting, or maybe even just run it through the engine a third time and see what I come up with.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on December 20, 2021, 10:42:59 AM
I ran all of the songs through the ranking engine, and there’s definitely some discrepancies. The biggest one is that based on my voting, Voices placed higher than Scarred, but I definitely like Scarred more. My top 10 however is 100% accurate.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on December 20, 2021, 12:51:07 PM
Other than Nomac tracks that I cut out of The Astonishing, here is the breakdown of how many did NOT make the cut from each album:
Reading through this thread again, I saw this post from Bosk and decided to figure out the balance from my list, too. It ended up as
-WDADU:  1
-I&W:  2
-Awake:  4
-FII:  5
-SFAM:  4
-6 Degrees:  1
-TOT:  2
-8VM:  1
-SC:  2
-BCSL:  0
-ADTOE:  3
-DT12:  2
-TA:  23
-D/T:  3
-non-album tracks:  13

Aside from TA, I think it ended up pretty balanced, too - more than I anticipated.

BTW, Bosk in your post you listed non-album tracks as just 1 that didn't make the cut - did you really mean that you only picked 1 non-album track, or did you actually include 24 of the 25 in your list? methinks you probably only picked 1.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 20, 2021, 01:18:25 PM
One of the things I discovered in putting this list together was how much I enjoyed some of the individual pieces from the astonishing more than I remember.

I’ve always had trouble digesting the massive scope of the astonishing and by the end of 100 minutes it’s all starting to sound a bit blended and same-y.

But when I was going through the ranking engine, I had my music playing program up in another window and I would be constantly referring back to certain tracks thinking, “which one was that again?” and subsequently thinking, “Wow! That’s a lot cooler than I remember.”

I’ve probably gone back-and-forth on the astonishing more than any other album in their catalog. When it first came out I absolutely loved the bravado of the project. But then it didn’t age well because I didn’t think that the individual pieces felt incomplete. But now that I’m getting more familiar with the individual pieces and seeing how they fit into the bigger picture (no pun intended) i’m getting a new appreciation for it again. Still think it’s a lower tier album though
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 20, 2021, 05:48:23 PM
BTW, Bosk in your post you listed non-album tracks as just 1 that didn't make the cut - did you really mean that you only picked 1 non-album track, or did you actually include 24 of the 25 in your list? methinks you probably only picked 1.

Yeah, now that you mention it, that was a mistake on my part.  I think I pared down my initial list to include only 4 or so non-album tracks, and of those that I left on there to be ranked, only 1 didn't make the cut.  Sorry for the confusion.  I misspoke.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: 425 on December 20, 2021, 06:47:29 PM
One of the things I discovered in putting this list together was how much I enjoyed some of the individual pieces from the astonishing more than I remember.

I’ve always had trouble digesting the massive scope of the astonishing and by the end of 100 minutes it’s all starting to sound a bit blended and same-y.

But when I was going through the ranking engine, I had my music playing program up in another window and I would be constantly referring back to certain tracks thinking, “which one was that again?” and subsequently thinking, “Wow! That’s a lot cooler than I remember.”

I’ve probably gone back-and-forth on the astonishing more than any other album in their catalog. When it first came out I absolutely loved the bravado of the project. But then it didn’t age well because I didn’t think that the individual pieces felt incomplete. But now that I’m getting more familiar with the individual pieces and seeing how they fit into the bigger picture (no pun intended) i’m getting a new appreciation for it again. Still think it’s a lower tier album though

I had a very similar experience. I went back through The Astonishing because it's the only Dream Theater album that I can't rank off the top of my head, in part because it has some many songs, but also because the songs really do combine into a unified whole more than on any other album. My view going into it had been that I probably wouldn't have many TA songs high on my list because they're weaker individually, so I was surprised by how many I just found to be really good songs on their own.

I've been in what seems to be an unusual camp: Neither a hater nor a lover of The Astonishing. I've also gone back and forth on it, liking aspects of it while disliking others. I think going back through it with the mindset of trying to find my favorite individual pieces has finally turned me into an Astonishing fan. It's never going to be among my favorite DT albums, but I definitely have a very positive view of it now.

I also arrived at the conclusion that the story is better than people typically give it credit for being. It has its problems, but it features a cast of characters who grapple with important choices in a dramatic way, and it brings all the storylines together into a climactic scene. It's also pretty clear what's happening the whole time, which is more than can be said for many rock operas. I'd give it around a B+ as concept album storylines go.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 21, 2021, 07:28:42 AM
One of the things I discovered in putting this list together was how much I enjoyed some of the individual pieces from the astonishing more than I remember.

I’ve always had trouble digesting the massive scope of the astonishing and by the end of 100 minutes it’s all starting to sound a bit blended and same-y.

But when I was going through the ranking engine, I had my music playing program up in another window and I would be constantly referring back to certain tracks thinking, “which one was that again?” and subsequently thinking, “Wow! That’s a lot cooler than I remember.”

I’ve probably gone back-and-forth on the astonishing more than any other album in their catalog. When it first came out I absolutely loved the bravado of the project. But then it didn’t age well because I didn’t think that the individual pieces felt incomplete. But now that I’m getting more familiar with the individual pieces and seeing how they fit into the bigger picture (no pun intended) i’m getting a new appreciation for it again. Still think it’s a lower tier album though

I had a very similar experience. I went back through The Astonishing because it's the only Dream Theater album that I can't rank off the top of my head, in part because it has some many songs, but also because the songs really do combine into a unified whole more than on any other album. My view going into it had been that I probably wouldn't have many TA songs high on my list because they're weaker individually, so I was surprised by how many I just found to be really good songs on their own.

I've been in what seems to be an unusual camp: Neither a hater nor a lover of The Astonishing. I've also gone back and forth on it, liking aspects of it while disliking others. I think going back through it with the mindset of trying to find my favorite individual pieces has finally turned me into an Astonishing fan. It's never going to be among my favorite DT albums, but I definitely have a very positive view of it now.

I also arrived at the conclusion that the story is better than people typically give it credit for being. It has its problems, but it features a cast of characters who grapple with important choices in a dramatic way, and it brings all the storylines together into a climactic scene. It's also pretty clear what's happening the whole time, which is more than can be said for many rock operas. I'd give it around a B+ as concept album storylines go.

I’ve always loved a lot of the music on The Astonishing (11 songs made my top 100); my main issues  with it are there’s a lot of the slower sections throughout that feel boring and lose my interest, and the story/lyrics are suuuuuper cringy. But it’s by no means a bad album, just very different for them, and I’ve always admired their willingness to put out something so different from the rest of their catalogue.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 21, 2021, 11:30:57 AM
I will join, sounds fun!

I think an easy way to do this is to copy and paste the list of songs earlier in the thread into this website (https://rankingengine.pubmeeple.com/). Just click “Music” as your category, paste the full list of songs in one shot, and it will separate them all into individual choices. Then it randomly puts 2 songs at a time for you to choose from and will automatically rank them for you based on your responses.

WOW! This is amazing, thank you!

Agreed. I have my rankings on hand on Microsoft Word, but this Ranking Engine is a lot of fun, and way easier!
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 21, 2021, 11:55:42 PM
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: ZirconBlue on December 22, 2021, 08:44:40 AM
PM Sent.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 23, 2021, 10:12:30 PM
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.

You've listened through all 100 songs?
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 23, 2021, 10:59:28 PM
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.

You've listened through all 100 songs?

Yes...I really didn't have to, but I felt like giving them a listen cause why not. And I will say, it's a good thing I did because it affected the songs placements, drastically for some songs.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 24, 2021, 07:52:34 AM
Just a reminder that anyone who wants to submit a list has till the end of the weekend!!  Gotta bunch already and welcome more. :hat :hat
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 24, 2021, 01:55:45 PM
Just a reminder that anyone who wants to submit a list has till the end of the weekend!!  Gotta bunch already and welcome more. :hat :hat

Yeah I have a couple of days off now so I'll get one in.  Won't be spending that much time on it.  I reckon I can list pretty comfortably a 100 that would be accurate enough.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 24, 2021, 01:56:25 PM
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.

You've listened through all 100 songs?

Yes...I really didn't have to, but I felt like giving them a listen cause why not. And I will say, it's a good thing I did because it affected the songs placements, drastically for some songs.

You must have a lot of free time.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: 425 on December 24, 2021, 02:02:43 PM
I did the ranking engine over the last few days. I think it came out with a pretty good list, but there are a few that I'm going to move around. Probably a lot of that is a result of me being a little inconsistent, for two reasons: (1) It's harder than it sounds to confidently and consistently choose between my 40th favorite and my 50th favorite, and (2) I think sometimes I forgot which Astonishing song is which (I've listened to the album a bunch of times, but I still don't have the songs clearly differentiated in my mind).

I'm going to mess around with this list, and maybe try a quick bosk-method list and compare the two, and then I'll try to send it in today.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 24, 2021, 03:11:19 PM
I have two lists that are quite different after using the ranking engine.

Tomorrow I think I’m going to try a third pass and see how much different (if at all) than my second. But I will definitely be turning something in before the deadline.
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 24, 2021, 05:37:44 PM
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.

You've listened through all 100 songs?

Yes...I really didn't have to, but I felt like giving them a listen cause why not. And I will say, it's a good thing I did because it affected the songs placements, drastically for some songs.

You must have a lot of free time.

More like I had more opportunities to listen to music.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 24, 2021, 05:42:17 PM
I copied the list, and pasted into Excel.  Found and replaced all the numbers with nothing.  Put '1's' in a column for Top Ten, '10's for the next', etc....  then filtered and worked on it from there.  A couple of late changes where I cut and pasted titles, and then did a goof amongst a rotten week and listed a song twice. :facepalm:

Kev caught that. 

Just so you all know, he is checking closely :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 24, 2021, 08:16:41 PM
Well, the only reason I caught it was because when entering your picks on my Excel spread sheet, when I got to the song listed twice, I was like, "Wait, that spot was already taken. Oops." Haha, lol.  All good, though.   :tup :tup
Title: Re: The Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (see inside!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 25, 2021, 01:56:41 AM
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.

You've listened through all 100 songs?

Yes...I really didn't have to, but I felt like giving them a listen cause why not. And I will say, it's a good thing I did because it affected the songs placements, drastically for some songs.

You must have a lot of free time.

More like I had more opportunities to listen to music.

Oh, silly me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 25, 2021, 02:38:40 AM
Just did my list.  Took about 45 minutes but pretty happy with it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: TAC on December 25, 2021, 11:28:17 AM
OK, I just did my list. I used the Ranking Generator posted earlier in the thread. I couldn't have done it without it.
I'm going to tweak a couple of obvious mistakes and send it tonight.

I wished I had that for my current roulette.

I think I'm going to do a bunch of bands.

Hey, on that, many years ago, someone started a thread that proposed listing the Top 10 songs by your Top 100 artists. I don't think anyone ever posted any results. Does anyone else remember that thread. I could not find it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Elite on December 25, 2021, 11:52:22 AM
Does ‘by the 26th’ mean I can still send it tomorrow, or do you need to have it before tomorrow?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 25, 2021, 01:08:44 PM
I’m doing a third go round on the ranking engine. And this time I’m taking my time and doing much more “let’s step aside and do a quick A/B comparison” before I choose. So I feel fairly confident that this will be the definitive list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 25, 2021, 05:00:36 PM
I submitted my list just now...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 25, 2021, 06:55:47 PM
Just submitted mine. My top 10 changed very little.

I will say this. All three tries, the bottom two were always the same.

Out of Reach and Prophets of War beat everything to the bottom. Even the Majesty demos.  :angel:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: AnotherDimension on December 25, 2021, 06:59:02 PM
When exactly are submissions due?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on December 25, 2021, 07:26:21 PM
Just submitted mine. My top 10 changed very little.

I will say this. All three tries, the bottom two were always the same.

Out of Reach and Prophets of War beat everything to the bottom. Even the Majesty demos.  :angel:
I can get the dislike for PoW, but your hatred for OoR baffles me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: TAC on December 25, 2021, 07:27:01 PM
Just submitted mine. My top 10 changed very little.

I will say this. All three tries, the bottom two were always the same.

Out of Reach and Prophets of War beat everything to the bottom. Even the Majesty demos.  :angel:
I can get the dislike for PoW, but your hatred for OoR baffles me.

PoW is awesome! OoR blows! ;D
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on December 25, 2021, 07:28:37 PM
PoW is awesome!
Timmy, I know Power Windows is awesome, but we're talking about Prophets of War.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: TAC on December 25, 2021, 07:44:27 PM
Hah!

Seriously, I cannot believe the grief Prophets Of War gets. I am so thankful they played it in Boston on the BC&SL tour.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 25, 2021, 07:49:16 PM
I enjoy Prophets of War as well.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 25, 2021, 08:12:39 PM
Does ‘by the 26th’ mean I can still send it tomorrow, or do you need to have it before tomorrow?

When exactly are submissions due?

By end of day tomorrow.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: TAC on December 25, 2021, 08:14:35 PM
By end of today tomorrow.

(https://sayingimages.com/wp-content/uploads/Bruh-Wtf-meme.jpg)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 25, 2021, 08:29:41 PM
DAMN IT. :lol

By end of day tomorrow 12/26.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 25, 2021, 09:01:20 PM
Just submitted mine. My top 10 changed very little.

I will say this. All three tries, the bottom two were always the same.

Out of Reach and Prophets of War beat everything to the bottom. Even the Majesty demos.  :angel:

Both made my 100.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 25, 2021, 09:11:18 PM
Just submitted mine. My top 10 changed very little.

I will say this. All three tries, the bottom two were always the same.

Out of Reach and Prophets of War beat everything to the bottom. Even the Majesty demos.  :angel:

Both made my 100.

The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Elite on December 26, 2021, 04:47:09 AM
Sent mine!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 26, 2021, 07:32:23 AM


The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!

Just to touch on this a little, once I start the countdown, as I list each song, I do plan to list how many top 100s it made, who ranked it the highest and where, top 10 finishes, etc.  Just fun little facts like that should make it a bit more interesting hopefully, rather than just listing the song and moving on.  :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: TAC on December 26, 2021, 07:34:25 AM


The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!

Just to touch on this a little, once I start the countdown, as I list each song, I do plan to list how many top 100s it made, who ranked it the highest and where, top 10 finishes, etc.  Just fun little facts like that should make it a bit more interesting hopefully, rather than just listing the song and moving on.  :)

Cool!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 26, 2021, 08:03:19 AM


The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!

Just to touch on this a little, once I start the countdown, as I list each song, I do plan to list how many top 100s it made, who ranked it the highest and where, top 10 finishes, etc.  Just fun little facts like that should make it a bit more interesting hopefully, rather than just listing the song and moving on.  :)

Now that sounds intriguing...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 26, 2021, 08:17:47 AM
I keep coming back to this thread 'cause I am so curious were it would go. By Christmas '22 a View would be counted in and I probably shall give it a ferm shot. But 'till then I am looking forward to see the top 100 of you'll...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: TAC on December 26, 2021, 08:29:14 AM
I keep coming back to this thread 'cause I am so curious were it would go. By Christmas '22 a View would be counted in and I probably shall give it a ferm shot. But 'till then I am looking forward to see the top 100 of you'll...

I counted it in my countdown. I'm pretty confident in its standings. And I also broke up 6 D's. But since Kev won't allow them, I'll back them out and add in the ones that actually missed out on the list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 26, 2021, 08:39:35 AM
I keep coming back to this thread 'cause I am so curious were it would go. By Christmas '22 a View would be counted in and I probably shall give it a ferm shot. But 'till then I am looking forward to see the top 100 of you'll...

I counted it in my countdown. I'm pretty confident in its standings. And I also broke up 6 D's. But since Kev won't allow them, I'll back them out and add in the ones that actually missed out on the list.

Now you got me thinking I might give it a shot this eve’.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Elite on December 26, 2021, 08:45:55 AM
I used the ranking tool shared a couple of pages back and while the top 25 or so wasn’t surprising to me, some of the lower rankings are quite … curious, I suppose. But I settled with it, because ultimately when I looked at it, I thought it was pretty accurate nonetheless.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Dream Team on December 26, 2021, 09:50:25 AM


The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!

Just to touch on this a little, once I start the countdown, as I list each song, I do plan to list how many top 100s it made, who ranked it the highest and where, top 10 finishes, etc.  Just fun little facts like that should make it a bit more interesting hopefully, rather than just listing the song and moving on.  :)

Now that sounds intriguing...

Wow going the extra mile! Looking forward to getting teased for my eclectic picks  :D.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 26, 2021, 11:14:30 AM
It's a small sample size obviously, but some of the results so far, just by eye balling them, are a bit surprising to me.  No spoilers yet, but there is a song that has been no worse than a top 20-25 DT song in my eyes for nearly 25 years now and it might have a hard time even making the top 100 here.  That is just shocking to me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Elite on December 26, 2021, 12:05:43 PM
Curious to know which song that is!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: TAC on December 26, 2021, 12:25:02 PM
Sent!

I had 5 View songs plus Solitary Shell listed, but I removed them, bumped everything else up, and added #101-106 to the list.

I ran the Ranker twice.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 26, 2021, 12:26:10 PM
me too. Probably on Falling Into Infinity, I would say.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: NoFred on December 26, 2021, 12:57:00 PM
In. Used an Elo ranker too, with A View and 6D songs, then substituted them out as requested.

The ranking tool gave me some surprises, a few things I wouldn’t expect especially outside the top 20.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 26, 2021, 01:09:37 PM
Just a reminder to anyone submitting last minute ones today to please number them 100-1 or 1-100 when you PM me, that way I do not lose my count when transferring your picks to Excel. :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 26, 2021, 01:33:33 PM
Just pm'ed you my list. Still being new in the Dream Theater world I would probably change the list on several places if you would ask me a couple of months later, but for now I feel it does the job fine. I might give the Astonishing a little more credits than I would in a couple of years or so, but that's for being deep in the novel and all, at this moment.

Only the top 4 would be craft in concrete and probably stand there forever. But beneath those, there will be a variety at any given moment.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 26, 2021, 01:36:00 PM
Did anyone else not use the ranker thing?  I literally just went through and listed songs 1-100.  Not much got altered on the way through either.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 26, 2021, 01:51:11 PM
Did anyone else not use the ranker thing?  I literally just went through and listed songs 1-100.  Not much got altered on the way through either.

I didn't use it.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 26, 2021, 03:03:21 PM
I used the ranking engine. Afterward I reviewed the top 20 and decided a couple songs could be switched up a small bit, but overall it looked pretty solid. A quick scan of 26-100 looked alright aside from a few songs that seemed out of place. For someone who doesn't enjoy ranking anything, that engine was a fun exercise.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: geeeemo on December 26, 2021, 03:07:23 PM
Just sent mine.

It was fun to listen to some songs/albums that I haven't listened to in a while. Biggest take aways.
The Astonishing is still great.
I should listen to 6 Degrees more.
Falling into Infinity I enjoy more overall than SC, Images, Awake, ToT and DT.
They need to make more Christmas music.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 26, 2021, 05:30:38 PM
Some of those songs were hard to rank when viewed in a vacuum. Vacant wouldn't rank that high for me, but it is the perfect song in the perfect place on ToT, for example.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 26, 2021, 06:21:27 PM
I think I can safely say that the album that benefited the most from a re-listen was TA. But the song that benefited the most was TMOLS. I generally think that SC is pretty terrible, so I almost never spin it. But when pitting “song vs. song” I had to go back and re-listen to things I hadn’t heard in ages. And I actually really enjoyed TMOLS quite a bit! So it shot up in my ranking a lot.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: TAC on December 26, 2021, 06:24:47 PM
I think I can safely say that the album that benefited the most from a re-listen was TA. But the song that benefited the most was TMOLS. I generally think that SC is pretty terrible, so I almost never spin it. But when pitting “song vs. song” I had to go back and re-listen to things I hadn’t heard in ages. And I actually really enjoyed TMOLS quite a bit! So it shot up in my ranking a lot.

Good on both!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 26, 2021, 06:30:45 PM
I don't think SC is terrible, but it's definitely the least best of the bunch.  I originally had 3 from it in my top 100, but redid it this weekend by using that ranking engine and ended up with just 1 in there now (at 92 :lol).

I guess in my own mind I underrated Disappear and Ravenskill. Both of those made big jumps in the rankings engine.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: TAC on December 26, 2021, 06:33:34 PM
Disappear and Ravenskill are great tunes.

I personally feel that the 6D's album is brutally overrated.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 26, 2021, 07:56:22 PM
I personally feel that the 6D's album is brutally overrated.

Based on a quick check:

6D has 3 songs in my Top 20, another in the Top 40, and 2 that didn't make the Top 100. 

SC has 2 songs in my Top 20, another 2 in the top 50, and 3 that didn't make the Top 100.

I don't know if any other album has songs that high and low on the spectrum as those two albums do.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 26, 2021, 11:01:57 PM
I think I can safely say that the album that benefited the most from a re-listen was TA. But the song that benefited the most was TMOLS.

The Ministry of Lost Souls is my favorite of Systematic Chaos, I ranked it at 17 in my top 100. Beautiful piece that is.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 26, 2021, 11:44:16 PM
I've made the top 100 only from official studio albums and the EP. Simply because all those other beauties like Eve or Another Won and so on, didn't digest properly enough. There is just too much Dream Theater to discover in just a few years. A quick sum-up of the songs that made it to the list, in album order...

When Dream and Day Unite - 6
Images & Words - 6
Awake  - all 11 are listed
A Change of Seasons - 1
Falling Into Infinity - 6
Scenes From a Memory - 8
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - 5
Train of Thought - all 7 are listed
Octavarium - 7
Systematic Chaos - 6
Black Clouds & Silver Linings - 5
A Dramatic Turn of Events - 5
Dream Theater - 6
The Astonishing - 15
Distance Over Time - 6

Only with Awake and Train of Thought they all made it into my list. My top 10 is filled with Awake (twice) / A Dramatic Turn / Train of Thought / Six Degrees (twice) / Black Clouds / Change of Seasons / Dream Theater and Octavarium.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: 425 on December 27, 2021, 01:03:44 AM
I personally feel that the 6D's album is brutally overrated.

I've been singing this tune for years. It's a good album, but it's definitely bottom half of their discography. People praise it for being experimental, but many of the experiments do not work, IMO. I included a lot of the songs, but the majority of them are in the bottom of half of my list.

I just finalized and submitted my list, hopefully right under the wire. Doing some album-count stats seems interesting, so I'll toss mine out there:

WDADU: 5 (out of 8)
IAW: 8 (out of 8)
Awake: 10 (out of 11)
FII: 6 (out of 11)
SFAM: 10 (out of 12)
SDOIT: 5 (out of 6)
ToT: 6 (out of 7)
8VM: 5 (out of 8)
SC: 4 (out of 7)
BC&SL: 4 (out of 6)
ADTOE: 8 (out of 9)
DT12: 5 (out of 9)
TA: 16 (out of 29 non-NOMAC)
DOT: 4 (out of 9)
Non-album: 4

Ranking these by percentages is interesting. It approximately matches up with how I'd rank the albums in consistency, as you'd expect, while overrating some albums (SDOIT) and underrating others (FII) in terms of how I'd rank them in overall preference:
1. IAW: 100%
2. Awake: 91%
3. ADTOE: 89%
4. ToT: 86%
5. SFAM: 83%
5. SDOIT: 83%
7. BC&SL: 67%
8. WDADU: 63%
8. 8VM: 63%
10. SC: 57%
11. DT12: 56%
12. TA: 55%
13. FII: 55%
14. DOT: 44%
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 27, 2021, 03:06:35 AM
Quote
People praise it for being experimental, but many of the experiments do not work, IMO.

I would have loved it if they released the Six Degrees piece as an EP. Than it would be at the top of my list for sure. But five total individual tracks (at this album at least) including the Twelve Step suite-opener... and then a masterpiece like Six Degrees, it doesn't work for me, in a way.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Elite on December 27, 2021, 03:33:24 AM
I’m pretty sure that I have all the songs from Images & Words, Awake and SDOIT on my list and only the obvious ones from SFAM (Regression and Through My Words) are missing.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: KevShmev on December 27, 2021, 05:13:20 AM
Thanks again to everyone who participated and send their top 100s.  :tup :tup

No more submissions will be allowed.

I will now begin the arduous task of tallying them all up. :lol  :biggrin:

I suspect I should be able to start the countdown by Thursday.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: Elite on December 27, 2021, 06:14:48 AM
Thanks in advance :tup :tup :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: geeeemo on December 27, 2021, 08:46:47 AM
Thank you for doing this! :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 27, 2021, 08:59:29 AM
Shit
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: jammindude on December 27, 2021, 09:40:17 AM
 :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: HOF on December 27, 2021, 10:08:44 AM
I used the ranking engine, and that worked pretty well except it somehow spit out Lines in the Sand at like 30 something. I ended up ranking it number 2. I think I just had a brain fart and picked something else over it by mistake at some point. I feel pretty certain about my top 10 being the top 10, but I'm not sure I'd give you the same order if you asked me again next week. Could probably say the same for the next 15 songs or so.

Also, I bet I'm the only person with The Way It Used to Be in their top 10, but it's one of the DT songs I listen to most often these days, really.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: 425 on December 27, 2021, 10:18:10 AM


The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!

Just to touch on this a little, once I start the countdown, as I list each song, I do plan to list how many top 100s it made, who ranked it the highest and where, top 10 finishes, etc.  Just fun little facts like that should make it a bit more interesting hopefully, rather than just listing the song and moving on.  :)

I forgot to say in my last post that I think this should be really interesting. I have five songs where I think I'm a reasonable contender for highest placement (not including my #1, because it's a given that I would be at least tied for that, and it's a fairly popular choice). I'm looking forward to seeing how many of those pan out, and what other songs end up unusually high on some people's lists.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: jammindude on December 27, 2021, 10:20:34 AM
I used the ranking engine, and that worked pretty well except it somehow spit out Lines in the Sand at like 30 something. I ended up ranking it number 2. I think I just had a brain fart and picked something else over it by mistake at some point. I feel pretty certain about my top 10 being the top 10, but I'm not sure I'd give you the same order if you asked me again next week. Could probably say the same for the next 15 songs or so.

Also, I bet I'm the only person with The Way It Used to Be in their top 10, but it's one of the DT songs I listen to most often these days, really.

Love TWIUTB. But it was a quite a bit lower down. But other Cleaning Out the Closet tracks went higher. Raise the Knife and Eve both made my top 20.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: jammindude on December 27, 2021, 10:30:05 AM
Curious if I’m the only one who has a Majesty demo in their top 100?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: 425 on December 27, 2021, 10:38:52 AM
Honestly, I have no assessment of the Cleaning Out the Closet tracks outside of those that have been released in non-demo versions elsewhere. I have the FII Demos, but the low demo quality is too noticeable to listen to them as more than a curiosity.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 27, 2021, 10:49:40 AM
I think A Change of Seasons and Eve were the only non-album track that made my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 27, 2021, 11:34:30 AM
Glad a lot of you guys found that ranking engine I posted helpful! There’s no way I could actually rank 100 songs, so I wouldn’t have been able to do it without it. I feel confident about what songs I’d consider to be my 20 or so favorite, but the order of those songs can vary depending on my mood. The rest of the list is kinda the same-they’re for sure the songs I’d put in my top 100, but the order is not definitive by any means.

Disappear and Ravenskill are great tunes.

I personally feel that the 6D's album is brutally overrated.

Ravenskill is my second favorite song on TA behind The Path That Divides, I’ve always loved that song. And Disappear is beautiful as well, just my least favorite on 6DOIT.

The 4 long songs on disc 1 all make my top 20 (2 of them being my top 2) and all 6 songs made the list so can’t say I agree on that album being overrated lmao
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: jammindude on December 27, 2021, 11:41:28 AM
Interesting because to me Ravenskill was the one track that just wasn’t doing it for me on the re-listen.  It just across as a bit disjointed. Like they has stuck a few different bits together to make a 6-ish minute track.

But after spinning some of the individual tracks, I am going to give TA a full spin in the near future
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: jammindude on December 27, 2021, 11:44:45 AM
Interesting in looking through my list again. No TA songs made my top 50, but 12 songs made my bottom 50 with A Life Left Behind placing highest.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: 425 on December 27, 2021, 11:49:38 AM
A Life Left Behind is also my favorite TA song, it turns out, which is interesting because I couldn't have told you what anything but the chorus sounded like before going through it for this thread.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: jammindude on December 27, 2021, 11:51:18 AM
A Life Left Behind is also my favorite TA song, it turns out, which is interesting because I couldn't have told you what anything but the chorus sounded like before going through it for this thread.

But WHAT A CHORUS!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 27, 2021, 11:59:22 AM
Laughingplace, I have some difficulty to appreciate the first disc of Six Degrees. To me, the Glass Prison is fantastic (top 10 all time), but especially the Great Debate is like Repentance, it’s just not my kind of piece. Listen it is all about wrestling through the endless flow of vain. Blind Faith, Dissapear and Misunderstood all make my top 100, but nearly as high as yours.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on December 27, 2021, 12:01:34 PM
Curious if I’m the only one who has a Majesty demo in their top 100?
Nope. I've got 3!  :omg:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: 425 on December 27, 2021, 12:09:07 PM
A Life Left Behind is also my favorite TA song, it turns out, which is interesting because I couldn't have told you what anything but the chorus sounded like before going through it for this thread.

But WHAT A CHORUS!!!  :metal

True, especially the last one with the two-part vocals! But I hadn't remembered how much good instrumental material there is on that song, and that it has the closing verses with "Did I fail to mention my honest intentions?"
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: Elite on December 27, 2021, 12:22:21 PM
Curious if I’m the only one who has a Majesty demo in their top 100?

You’re not :)



I also have a few from Cleaning out the Closet
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: TAC on December 27, 2021, 12:49:27 PM
Curious if I’m the only one who has a Majesty demo in their top 100?
Nope. I've got 3!  :omg:

I have Another Won, but that's based on the Score version.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: Elite on December 27, 2021, 01:08:10 PM
Curious if I’m the only one who has a Majesty demo in their top 100?
Nope. I've got 3!  :omg:

I have Another Won, but that's based on the Score version.

:hifive:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (submissions due by 12/26!!!)
Post by: lovethedrake on December 27, 2021, 06:25:25 PM
I personally feel that the 6D's album is brutally overrated.

I've been singing this tune for years. It's a good album, but it's definitely bottom half of their discography. People praise it for being experimental, but many of the experiments do not work, IMO. I included a lot of the songs, but the majority of them are in the bottom of half of my list.

I just finalized and submitted my list, hopefully right under the wire. Doing some album-count stats seems interesting, so I'll toss mine out there:

WDADU: 5 (out of 8)
IAW: 8 (out of 8)
Awake: 10 (out of 11)
FII: 6 (out of 11)
SFAM: 10 (out of 12)
SDOIT: 5 (out of 6)
ToT: 6 (out of 7)
8VM: 5 (out of 8)
SC: 4 (out of 7)
BC&SL: 4 (out of 6)
ADTOE: 8 (out of 9)
DT12: 5 (out of 9)
TA: 16 (out of 29 non-NOMAC)
DOT: 4 (out of 9)
Non-album: 4

Ranking these by percentages is interesting. It approximately matches up with how I'd rank the albums in consistency, as you'd expect, while overrating some albums (SDOIT) and underrating others (FII) in terms of how I'd rank them in overall preference:
1. IAW: 100%
2. Awake: 91%
3. ADTOE: 89%
4. ToT: 86%
5. SFAM: 83%
5. SDOIT: 83%
7. BC&SL: 67%
8. WDADU: 63%
8. 8VM: 63%
10. SC: 57%
11. DT12: 56%
12. TA: 55%
13. FII: 55%
14. DOT: 44%

Personally I think six degrees is underrated if anything.  Incredible album.  DT at their peak.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: KevShmev on December 27, 2021, 06:55:50 PM
Hmmm, adding these up and putting them in order took far less time than I thought it would.  I may start this tonight, if no one objects...;)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: KevShmev on December 27, 2021, 07:06:40 PM
Also, I want to give a shout-out to all 25 who submitted lists to me.  Thanks again for participating!  :tup :tup

The top 100 will be based off of the lists from the 26 posters:

bosk1
Revenge319
Dream Team
Vmadera00
devieira73
BRGM
toro
Setlist Scotty
Laughingplace56
erciccio
DragonAttack
ZirconBlue
wolfking
Ben_Jamin
jammindude
Elite
NoFred
TAC
Wim Kruithof
marztacy
geeeemo
Cool Chris
HOF
AnotherDimension
425
KevShmev
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: KevShmev on December 27, 2021, 07:11:37 PM
I will probably start off by listing 2-4 a day, give or take, and see how that pace works as far as discussion and whatnot goes.

Away we go...

100  The X Aspect
Appeared on 15 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 18 (TAC)


Very nice song.  And how can you not like a song that features bagpipes?? :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 27, 2021, 07:13:04 PM
(https://www.storypick.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TLL-3a.gif)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 27, 2021, 07:16:04 PM
99 Never Enough
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 8 (DragonAttack)


This is one of the rare DT songs where the lyrics are a major detriment, which is a shame cause it's musically really, really good.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on December 27, 2021, 07:26:19 PM
I don't have any problems with the lyrics of Never Enough. I mean, I can definitely understand why people don't like them, they've just personally never bothered me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 27, 2021, 07:32:46 PM
I had those songs at 59, and 76, respectively. I never had an issue with lyrics for NE. The X Aspect has some of Labries best moments from TA.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on December 27, 2021, 07:40:56 PM
I somehow completely missed this thread. Would have liked to submit a list, but oh well. Next time.

Also, I never would have thought to put The X Aspect in my top 100. It's such a "non-event" song. There are some cool aspects, but nothing special, imo.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 27, 2021, 07:47:02 PM
So happy to see The X Aspect make it, even if it is number 100. I feel I rated it too low, but that's how I am with all of these songs on my list.  :lol

I think it'll be fun to compare my list to the top rankings of the song. That's a great ranking TAC. I personally enjoy it a lot and think it's a track that is deserving of top 20.

I enjoy how the song builds from a piano/vocal into a big epic moment of desperation as Arhys struggles with his justification for betraying his brother, his vow to his dying wife to protect and provide the best for his son. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 27, 2021, 07:52:35 PM
Cool way to present the top 100!
I think these 2 songs didn't enter my top 100, and that just already shows how good is the DT's body of work.
Anyway, I agree that X Aspect has a great JLB performances - one of the best from a stellar album for him and, although Never Enough is really cool - the lyrics never bothered me, I kind of agree with them  ;D - unfortunately is the song that is on my top list from all the songs in DT's discography that people see as almost a plagiarism - it's really too close to Muse's Stockholm Syndrome.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 27, 2021, 08:03:57 PM
I guess enough time has passed now to where I don't even notice the similarity to Stockholm Syndrome anymore, even though it is pretty obvious if you listen for it (the main riff).  I don't really seek this song out on its own, but if it pops up on shuffle and I am in the car, I will usually leave it on as it does rock when you are driving. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 27, 2021, 08:27:03 PM
Never Enough is in “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” territory for me. :-)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 27, 2021, 08:36:41 PM
I like Never Enough, I don't take the lyrics as a personal condemnation from one of the band members. They are good lyrics that convey a message, and since I don't take it as one directed at me, I find them satisfactory. I like the music and never listened to Muse so wouldn't have even known it was a ripoff/homage/whatever if I hadn't read about it here.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 27, 2021, 08:38:09 PM
I’m with the crowd that totally agreed with MP when he wrote that song. I was just so over the moon with everything DT had done since SFAM, and couldn’t believe the amount of criticism that was leveled at Mike every time he tried to do something that was a really special gift for the fans.

MP is in no way perfect, and I’m not blind to his flaws, but I definitely shared his frustration when he released that song. He needed to vent, and he did. The people who should have taken the “if you can’t say something nice” road were the ones whining about the wonderful extras they were getting that almost no other band was doing.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 27, 2021, 08:39:24 PM
I’m with the crowd that totally agreed with MP when he wrote that song. I was just so over the moon with everything DT had done since SFAM, and couldn’t believe the amount of criticism that was leveled at Mike every time he tried to do something that was a really special gift for the fans.

MP is in no way perfect, and I’m not blind to his flaws, but I definitely shared his frustration when he released that song. He needed to vent, and he did. The people who should have taken the “if you can’t say something nice” road were the ones whining about the wonderful extras they were getting that almost no other band was doing.

I will say the lyrics are not the main reason I dislike the song. The dreadful noises Muse make are the main reason I dislike the song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 27, 2021, 08:43:54 PM
I’m with the crowd that totally agreed with MP when he wrote that song. I was just so over the moon with everything DT had done since SFAM, and couldn’t believe the amount of criticism that was leveled at Mike every time he tried to do something that was a really special gift for the fans.

MP is in no way perfect, and I’m not blind to his flaws, but I definitely shared his frustration when he released that song. He needed to vent, and he did. The people who should have taken the “if you can’t say something nice” road were the ones whining about the wonderful extras they were getting that almost no other band was doing.

I will say the lyrics are not the main reason I dislike the song. The dreadful noises Muse make are the main reason I dislike the song.

Fair enough.

Oddly enough, I have trouble getting into Muse’s older material…but fell in love with Drones which I guess most Muse fans consider to be just OK. Go figure.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on December 27, 2021, 09:04:23 PM
I’m with the crowd that totally agreed with MP when he wrote that song. I was just so over the moon with everything DT had done since SFAM, and couldn’t believe the amount of criticism that was leveled at Mike every time he tried to do something that was a really special gift for the fans.

MP is in no way perfect, and I’m not blind to his flaws, but I definitely shared his frustration when he released that song. He needed to vent, and he did. The people who should have taken the “if you can’t say something nice” road were the ones whining about the wonderful extras they were getting that almost no other band was doing.

I will say the lyrics are not the main reason I dislike the song. The dreadful noises Muse make are the main reason I dislike the song.

Fair enough.

Oddly enough, I have trouble getting into Muse’s older material…but fell in love with Drones which I guess most Muse fans consider to be just OK. Go figure.
See, I'm the opposite. I liked everything Muse did up until The Resistance. Everything after that was boring to me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: 425 on December 27, 2021, 09:15:49 PM
Cool, excited to see how this goes! I'm planning to listen along with these as they're posted and give some comments.

The X Aspect
My Ranking: #70

I've long held this as among my favorite songs from The Astonishing. A few additional songs eclipsed it on my recent review of the album, but I still think this is a really good piece.

Musically, it leans pretty heavily on one motif, but that motif is really good. The best part is the first few lines after the distorted guitar kicks in: "Abandon all our plans for revolution / Will hope and freedom die by morning light?" And the bagpipes are a nice touch.

I also really like this song as a piece of storytelling. I think the Arhys/Daryus/Xavier story is the strongest arc of The Astonishing, and that's in large part because of the dilemma Arhys struggles with, as presented in this song.


Never Enough
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #137)

I don't think Dream Theater have more than one or two bad songs, at least on their studio albums. The ones that are toward the bottom of the barrel are the ones that I don't find interesting enough, ones that I never even consider listening to outside of the context of their respective albums.

Never Enough is definitely one of those. I agree with those who are saying it's not the lyrics that are the problem. I don't mind them at all. In fact, I agree with the sentiment as a general commentary on a certain type of entitled fan. I find people who act as though they are owed something by musicians, authors, filmmakers, etc. offputting in the extreme.

The problem is that the song just doesn't grab me musically as much as most other DT songs. The best moment is the unison at about 4:15, which is pretty cool. It's a song I enjoy listening to when it's on, but never pay much attention to when it isn't.

I'd be interested to hear from DragonAttack about what made them put this song at #8. Not from a perspective of "justify your opinion to me," but because it's interesting to hear why people are drawn to very different songs.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 27, 2021, 09:22:12 PM
Nice idea to include our own rankings.

My ranking:
The X Factor - 99
Never Enough - 61
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 27, 2021, 09:37:00 PM
I'll join in on posting my rankings too...

100 - The X Aspect: #46

A great song from The Astonishing sits at the 100 spot. At least it made the list. This one has one of the best emotional moments on the album. I like this part of the story because we see Ahrys talking to Evangeline. It was one of the best moments of the live show for me, due to how good JLB was and the setting created by the screens and the light show. The buildup is great to the moment where Ahrys pleads to Evangeline as her theme appears here too, as if she appears by him while he pleads. The brother theme played by the bagpipes adds that extra layer of the bond being betrayed.

99 - Never Enough: (Did Not Rank)

This song I believe I first heard live on Gigantour when they came here. I don't really remember much of the show, but I do remember the songs I have heard and were interested in. This one I liked the instrumental, especially the bass tone underneath the guitar and key unison.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 27, 2021, 09:54:00 PM
very nice way to uncover the list, looking forward to follow this thread along the way.

the X-Aspect #-
Never Enough #94
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on December 27, 2021, 10:23:26 PM
Neither song made the top 100 for me. I don't care for the music of NE. I think the story of the song is interesting, though. I wasn't into DT yet back then, so I don't have any emotion tied to it.
I really dig TA, but I simply liked other songs more than The X Factor.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on December 27, 2021, 10:53:19 PM
I'll do my big Top 50 list after my next Dream Theater marathon (which will be quite a whole from now), where I'll rank A View From The Top Of The World with the rest (and perhaps see some songs from there in the Top 50). So for now, I'll do what 425's doing and give some brief thoughts on each song, as well as show where each song ranks. I'll be color-coding the ranking numbers to show what kind of tier they're in. In order from favorite to least favorite, these tiers are teal, red, orange, lime, green, blue, purple, maroon, and black.


The X Aspect
My ranking: #56. James sounds so great on this song. The vocal melodies are just so, so good. I really enjoy how the song gradually keeps building up with each verse. The ending with the bagpipes isn't my favorite part of the song, but it's pretty good and helps give the song its own identity.


Never Enough
My ranking: #71. Really good song, both musically and lyrically. This song's enjoyable from start to finish for me, from the ominous verses to the powerful chorus to the intense instrumental section... What's not to like?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Elite on December 28, 2021, 01:01:30 AM
The X-Aspect came in at #111 in mine and Never Enough at #127
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on December 28, 2021, 01:21:49 AM
In my ranking:

 - The X-Aspect: 86. It's a nice song, but works well only in the context of the full album. I actually forgot about the bagpipes section, otherwise I would have ranked it higher.

 - Never Enough: out of the 100. It could have made it in a MUSE top 100, though.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 28, 2021, 02:35:43 AM
Neither song made the top 100 for me. I don't care for the music of NE. I think the story of the song is interesting, though. I wasn't into DT yet back then, so I don't have any emotion tied to it.
I really dig TA, but I simply liked other songs more than The X Factor.

Always nice to see a subtle Iron Maiden mention.  :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 28, 2021, 02:38:20 AM
TXA - -
Never Enough - 72

I never really had a problem with NE, it's a decent song.  I hear the Muse references, but I liked the whole feel and atmosphere of it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 28, 2021, 05:34:32 AM
Let's throw two more out there this morning...

98 A Savior in the Square
Appeared on 15 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 16 (Wim Kruithof)


97 Our New World
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 33 (Dream Team)


Two good songs from The Astonishing.  I prefer Our New World (that one made my top 100, the other did not), and it's pretty funny that these two songs finished back to back considering the end of Our New World reprises the guitar from the beginning of A Savior in the Square.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 28, 2021, 06:14:09 AM
A Savior in the Square did not make my top 100, but I think it landed around 105, so not too far off. Our New World was #35 on my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Dream Team on December 28, 2021, 06:58:56 AM
Wow Kev that's cool trivia about those 2 songs. ONW is just such a compactly well-written song that just hits the spot for me.

X-Aspect has some of JP's best acoustic playing.

Agreed with jammindude on Never Enough.

This is so fun, thanks again for doing this.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on December 28, 2021, 07:10:19 AM
In my ranking:

 - A Saviour in the square: #. I just cannot hear this song outside of the full flow of the album, it doesn't work at all as an isolated track.

 - Our New world: 51. A good stand-alone track from The Astonising, with a nice riff and a good solo from JP. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 28, 2021, 08:08:47 AM
I had X Aspect at 83, which in retrospect is probably too low. The piano and acoustic guitar in the beginning is beautiful and this song has one of the best vocal melodies on the album. Plus yes, the bagpipes rule haha

I had Never Enough at 78. Fun short tune

I had Saviour in the Square at 85. The intro solo is one of my favorite parts of the album.

Our New World did not rank for me. Fun song but not one of my favorites off TA.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Elite on December 28, 2021, 08:22:23 AM
A Savior in the Square at #70, Our New World at #120 in mine
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 28, 2021, 08:27:36 AM
Our New World is a fun song. I have it ranked all the way up at 66.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 28, 2021, 08:36:05 AM
100. X Aspect (#82)
 99. Never Enough (#8)
 98. Savior In The Square (#94)
 97. Our New World (#47)

'X Aspect'....I start it at 1:24, love the bagpipes, and I use it to end Disc 1 of my edited 2 disc version of TA.

'Never Enough' wouldn't be in my Top Ten if allowed to break down Six Degrees.  ;)  First, to 425, we're all in 'discussion mode', so here goes:  I first saw the band in 2003, and still hadn't heard FII, ACOS, SFAM or ToT when I purchased this in the summer of '05. Not familiar with Muse, so that wasn't a factor.  The lyrics...could have applied to my old man, former friends and acquaintances, and certainly various ex employers, coworkers, and bosses (being held over 2-8 hours, or not being able to do three things at once, or in the last ten minutes, or doing exactly what I was told to do, and doing it correctly, but what they meant was... etc etc etc.). Or one could run the fastest 100 yard dash, but there's that person who would complain that I started with my left foot instead of my right. :loser:   

Hell, it still fits for my current volunteer organizations at times :censored  and I'll crank it up to blow off steam and do a  :censored to get it out of my system.  (then it's 'Here Comes The Sun' to mellow out.)  The music fits the angst, and I adore the percussion play during the instrumental middle.  The subtle things Portnoy did at times that stood out without 'standing out'.  Hard for me to drive because I want to play air drums and hit that occasion little cymbal :D 

'Savior in the Square'  the intro would be in my Top 50, because with 'Our New World', ends up like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agXk_VyRtZM    I use this for my 'best ofs' and TA 2 disc.  The combo fits really well.

I'll shorten my replies from here on in.  Oh, and thanks Kev for taking the time on this :tup)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on December 28, 2021, 08:44:43 AM

'Never Enough' wouldn't be in my Top Ten if allowed to break down Six Degrees.  ;)  First, to 425, we're all in 'discussion mode', so here goes:  I'd become a fan in 2003, and still hadn't heard FII, ACOS, SFAM or ToT yet.  My first 'new' purchase.  Not familiar with Muse, so that wasn't a factor.  The lyrics...could have applied to my old man, former friends and acquaintances, and certainly various ex employers, coworkers, and bosses (being held over 2-8 hours, or not being able to do three things at once, or in the last ten minutes, or doing exactly what I was told to do, and doing it correctly, but what they meant was... etc etc etc.). Or one could run the fastest 100 yard dash, but there's that person who would complain that I started with my left foot instead of my right. :loser:   


Well, Never Enough is a clear tribute to "Stockholm Syndrome" by Muse.
It's certainly not a rip-off, but the inspiration is clear (in the riff, verses and also in the solo) and Dream Theater has always been quite transparent about it
See also the Wiki page- media section
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_Syndrome_(Muse_song)

I really loved Muse at the time, so I was quite "upset" with Dream Theater for this...but otherwise is not a bad song at all.

See also here https://www.musewiki.org/Dream_Theater
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 28, 2021, 08:48:12 AM
The X Aspect:  I had it at 67.  I really like this song, and it concludes my favorite run of songs on TA.  The reprise of Xander's theme is done really well.

Never Enough:  84.  Good song.  It's funny how Mike even clarified that the lyrics were written, not about "entitled" fans in general, but about a very specific situation where some fans went WAY over the top and clearly crossed the line, but that has been totally forgotten.  Anyhow, it's a decent enough song that I enjoy when I listen to Octavarium.

A Savior in the Square:  69.  Lyrically and musically, this song does a lot of heavy lifting on the album.  Really fun ride.

Our New World:  71.  Unusually straightforward structure for DT.  I know this song had "hit potential," and it's a shame it didn't take off a bit more for them.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 28, 2021, 08:49:58 AM

'Never Enough' wouldn't be in my Top Ten if allowed to break down Six Degrees.  ;)  First, to 425, we're all in 'discussion mode', so here goes:  I'd become a fan in 2003, and still hadn't heard FII, ACOS, SFAM or ToT yet.  My first 'new' purchase.  Not familiar with Muse, so that wasn't a factor.  The lyrics...could have applied to my old man, former friends and acquaintances, and certainly various ex employers, coworkers, and bosses (being held over 2-8 hours, or not being able to do three things at once, or in the last ten minutes, or doing exactly what I was told to do, and doing it correctly, but what they meant was... etc etc etc.). Or one could run the fastest 100 yard dash, but there's that person who would complain that I started with my left foot instead of my right. :loser:   


Well, Never Enough is a clear tribute to "Stockholm Syndrome" by Muse.
It's certainly not a rip-off, but the inspiration is clear (in the riff, verses and also in the solo) and Dream Theater has always been quite transparent about it
See also the Wiki page- media section
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_Syndrome_(Muse_song)

I really loved Muse at the time, so I was quite "upset" with Dream Theater for this...but otherwise is not a bad song at all.

Why would you be upset that a band paid tribute to a band you like?  That doesn't make sense.  Do you get mad at people who pay you compliments?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on December 28, 2021, 09:02:04 AM

'Never Enough' wouldn't be in my Top Ten if allowed to break down Six Degrees.  ;)  First, to 425, we're all in 'discussion mode', so here goes:  I'd become a fan in 2003, and still hadn't heard FII, ACOS, SFAM or ToT yet.  My first 'new' purchase.  Not familiar with Muse, so that wasn't a factor.  The lyrics...could have applied to my old man, former friends and acquaintances, and certainly various ex employers, coworkers, and bosses (being held over 2-8 hours, or not being able to do three things at once, or in the last ten minutes, or doing exactly what I was told to do, and doing it correctly, but what they meant was... etc etc etc.). Or one could run the fastest 100 yard dash, but there's that person who would complain that I started with my left foot instead of my right. :loser:   


Well, Never Enough is a clear tribute to "Stockholm Syndrome" by Muse.
It's certainly not a rip-off, but the inspiration is clear (in the riff, verses and also in the solo) and Dream Theater has always been quite transparent about it
See also the Wiki page- media section
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_Syndrome_(Muse_song)

I really loved Muse at the time, so I was quite "upset" with Dream Theater for this...but otherwise is not a bad song at all.

Why would you be upset that a band paid tribute to a band you like?  That doesn't make sense.  Do you get mad at people who pay you compliments?

Well, it's not exactly like that...on the booklet you don't see "credits" for Muse if I'm not wrong, and many Dream Theater fans are still not aware of where that song comes from...
So the compliments were not that explicit.. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 28, 2021, 09:16:44 AM
One more addition as to my enjoying NE :  the setlist for Constitution Hall in DC '08 (it fit perfectly) Psycho intro, Ant Odyssey, In the Presence of Enemies, Part I, Strange Deja Vu, Through My Words, Fatal Tragedy, Never Enough, Misunderstood, As I Am, The Ministry of Lost Souls, Take The Time  plus encores

I did become aware of 'Stockholm Syndrome' a few years later when I found the former DT and MP sites.  It is certainly a homage in various spots, and credit or 'inspiration' certainly should have been listed.  Zeppelin was certainly guilty of that (corrected decades later).  There's others, so I get and understand all that.

At least it wasn't as blatant throughout and disputed like 'Ice Ice Baby'  :D :censored :D >:( ;D
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on December 28, 2021, 09:32:17 AM
I did become aware of 'Stockholm Syndrome' a few years later when I found the former DT and MP sites.  It is certainly a homage in various spots, and credit or 'inspiration' certainly should have been listed.  Zeppelin was certainly guilty of that (corrected decades later).  And various other tunes, so I get and understand all that.

At least it wasn't as blatant throughout and disputed like 'Ice Ice Baby'  :D :censored :D >:( ;D

F&@k, I thought that was a blatant and legit sampling of Under Pressure wihin a rap song, I knew nothing about the controversy..😅😅
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 28, 2021, 10:07:23 AM

'Never Enough' wouldn't be in my Top Ten if allowed to break down Six Degrees.  ;)  First, to 425, we're all in 'discussion mode', so here goes:  I'd become a fan in 2003, and still hadn't heard FII, ACOS, SFAM or ToT yet.  My first 'new' purchase.  Not familiar with Muse, so that wasn't a factor.  The lyrics...could have applied to my old man, former friends and acquaintances, and certainly various ex employers, coworkers, and bosses (being held over 2-8 hours, or not being able to do three things at once, or in the last ten minutes, or doing exactly what I was told to do, and doing it correctly, but what they meant was... etc etc etc.). Or one could run the fastest 100 yard dash, but there's that person who would complain that I started with my left foot instead of my right. :loser:   


Well, Never Enough is a clear tribute to "Stockholm Syndrome" by Muse.
It's certainly not a rip-off, but the inspiration is clear (in the riff, verses and also in the solo) and Dream Theater has always been quite transparent about it
See also the Wiki page- media section
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_Syndrome_(Muse_song)

I really loved Muse at the time, so I was quite "upset" with Dream Theater for this...but otherwise is not a bad song at all.

Why would you be upset that a band paid tribute to a band you like?  That doesn't make sense.  Do you get mad at people who pay you compliments?

Well, it's not exactly like that...on the booklet you don't see "credits" for Muse if I'm not wrong, and many Dream Theater fans are still not aware of where that song comes from...

Last I checked, none of the members of Muse wrote or played on Never Enough, so of course they would not be listed in the credits.  Bands generally only appear in another band's album credits if they wrote a song or played on the album.  So if you were going to be mad at somebody, you should have been mad at the music industry as a whole for their standard practice. 

As far as where the song "comes from," it comes from Dream Theater.  The fact that it might sound similar to another band's song doesn't change that.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Elite on December 28, 2021, 10:15:24 AM
It’s Dream Theater, clearly inspired by Muse.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on December 28, 2021, 10:42:20 AM
Neither song made the top 100 for me. I don't care for the music of NE. I think the story of the song is interesting, though. I wasn't into DT yet back then, so I don't have any emotion tied to it.
I really dig TA, but I simply liked other songs more than The X Factor.

Always nice to see a subtle Iron Maiden mention.  :metal

I wish I were that clever. Just late in a crazy day and not really paying attention. :blush
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 28, 2021, 10:57:37 AM
Surprisingly, Savior In The Square and Our New World did not make my 100 list. I can not break up SITS and WYTHC as I consider both one continuous scene. I see Gabriel sliding his guitar on his back to the front, as soon as he does he sees Faythe and mutters "An angel just appeared before my eyes" then he starts playing his song. Our New World is just okay for me, It does it's job though in addressing how the characters are now going to be living in their new world, which is like the happy/uplifting moment of the story before the end credits/summary song begins to play.

I also realized that I somehow missed adding in Stream Of Consciousness onto my rankings. Ooops...Guess I just wasn't feeling it at the time... :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on December 28, 2021, 11:25:24 AM
A Savior in the Square
My ranking: #42. If they had combined this with When Your Time Has Come, this would probably be in the Top 30. But as it stands, #42 for A Savior in the Square is a pretty great placement. This song, like quite a few others on The Astonishing, has this very pleasant and uplifting feeling, and that strong emotional aspect in this song and others is probably the main reason why I rank TA so highly. The guitar intro is beautiful, one of the best moments on the album. I love when the song gets more dramatic; the story and music fit together so well here. The "I'll treat them all to sonic ecstasy" moment is an amazing way to top off that section. And then that last quiet part is a great segue into WYTHC.


Our New World
My ranking: Not ranked (#103). Good song, though I never considered it one of the best on TA. It's got a good chorus, the guitar solo is nice, and the song is simply quite good all around. There's just many other songs from Dream Theater that I like more.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 28, 2021, 11:46:05 AM
A Savior in the Square - on my earlier lists, it just barely cracked my top 100.  But as I kept revisiting the TA songs entering my third list, this song dropped off a bit, and ended up being #141 on my final list.   The individual parts are nice, but like so much of TA, it just doesn't stand on its own that well.  It's almost like there should have been I/II/III subsections, but I suppose that would be silly for a 4 minute song. 

Our New World  - This is my second favorite from TA and I placed it at #57.  It tries to be the "About to Crash (Reprise)" of the album, and it juuuuuuust about pulls it off. But not quite.   It's still an excellent song. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Trav86 on December 28, 2021, 12:42:09 PM
I can’t argue with anything, thus far.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: 425 on December 28, 2021, 12:58:25 PM
@Dragon Attack, thanks for sharing about Never Enough. It's interesting how people's personal experiences can influence how they respond to a song, especially if they find it at the right time.

Comments on the next couple of songs:


A Savior in the Square
My ranking: #77

I understand the complaint that this one is a bit disjointed, but overall I think the storytelling is good, through both the music and the lyrics, and the parts that can be seen as disjointed are part of the storytelling.

I really like the beautiful, serene section and the build up to the heavy vocal section. And the best vocal part is Gabriel's first section ("Brother, worry not today") despite the slightly out-of-character "sonic ecstasy" line. Overall, one of the stronger songs on The Astonishing—proggy, melodic, and a little bit heavy.


Our New World
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #120)

Gotta say, I don't really understand the love for this one. I think it's a decent penultimate song for the album, but not a great one. The main riff is pretty good, but the vocal melodies just aren't great. The chorus in particular is a letdown for me, which is interesting, since it seems to be such a highlight for others.



A Savior in the Square at #70, Our New World at #120 in mine

o/
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 28, 2021, 01:08:13 PM
I was about to write down why a Savior In the Square is so high on my list, but Revenge did a perfect job on that and I follow it totally.

But, next to the Killing Hand, it has one of the best slow guitar openings in their discography. Raises the hair on my arms every time, especially with the story in mind and Gabriel standing there. The weight of Ravenskill on his shoulders and they all seem to believe in this gift, which he still is insecure about.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 28, 2021, 01:13:21 PM
I'll shorten my replies from here on in.

Don't ever shorten your replies. Love reading DT stories.

But I do ask one favor..
If you ever post a setlist again, please put it in list form. ;D
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 28, 2021, 02:11:23 PM
Being very honest, I think my top 100 is pretty faithful until the 60th spot, from then onwards, I think I could exchange several positions of a lot of the songs. Besides The Gift of Music and A New Beggining (that made my top 50), I put the rest of my TA Top 100 songs, in the album order, from no. 62 to 76 (like if they were a one song), with A Savior in the Square in no. 65 and Our New World in no. 76. Interesting that, between the TA songs I choose, Our New World is truly that I like less. And, like Ben_Jamin said, I never separate in my mind A Savior in the Square from When Your Time Has Come (no. 66).
That intro solo from Savior and the lead guitars from New World are really inspired JP moments!!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 28, 2021, 02:48:38 PM
100. X Aspect (#18)

I feel that this is one DT most emotional moments in their entire catalog. The song is stunningly beautiful. Great interpretation by James.

99. Never Enough (#35)

I used the ranker and I honestly don't think Never Enough is my #35 tune, but here it is. The first time I ran the ranker it was #64. Anyway, whatever..I think I deleted 2 View tracks to sneak it up there.
That said, I think this is a sneaky excellent track. People get all hung up on the lyrics, but the lyrics are perfect. And speaking of sneaky...this is one of my favorite James 'performances from any album. He kills it.
DragonAttack mentioned setlists, and while I was not thrilled with the Boston Gigantour set, I loved hearing Never Enough. Cool effect with JP and JM coming up front to play that second verse together.
I love the Romavarium performance. Ridiculous unison between JP and JR.


98. Savior In The Square (#52)

I had Savior at #52. I love this song. The intro gives me goosebumps. It's beautiful. The whole "Brother, worry not today..." line literally chokes me up. Fucking amazing.

97. Our New World (not rated)

I don't consider Our New World all that great. I mean, it's nice enough but just feels like they had an extra tune when they finished the album. My Astonishing Abridged ends with Hymn Of A Thousand Voices.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 28, 2021, 03:11:49 PM
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Dream Team on December 28, 2021, 03:21:36 PM
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.

That’s a shame, so many great tunes.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 28, 2021, 03:25:41 PM
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.

And I briefly considered disqualifying your list from the ranking as a result. :P :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 28, 2021, 03:39:29 PM
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.

Just crunching the numbers that seems almost difficult.  Even people that don't like the album usually found a spot or two that they liked better than some of the more maligned tracks from other albums. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 28, 2021, 03:41:38 PM
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.

Just crunching the numbers that seems almost difficult.   

Not for Wolfking. :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 28, 2021, 06:15:26 PM
A.  I wasn't relistening to it.
B.  I'd take each of the dud tracks from other albums.
C.  I still left off a few dud tracks from other albums.
D.  It wasn't that hard
E.  I should relisten to TA, but I'm not going to.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 28, 2021, 06:17:04 PM
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.

And I briefly considered disqualifying your list from the ranking as a result. :P :biggrin:

Hey, I followed the rules, plain and simple.  ;D
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 28, 2021, 06:20:37 PM
F. Don’t be Dani Filth
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 28, 2021, 06:27:48 PM
96 Afterlife
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 26 (Dream Team, wolfking)


I was happy to see this one make it.  This is the first of five songs from the debut to make the list.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 28, 2021, 06:32:33 PM
I ranked Afterlife at #52. Definitely an early standout from the first album.

Musically, the debut is absolutely one of my favorite albums, and it’s only the production that tends to bring it down quite a bit. But most of the early Music in Progress boots had this matched with the Mission Impossible Theme, and it was always a great way to kick the crowd into 2nd gear. Just a really fun song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 28, 2021, 06:32:50 PM
95 Forsaken
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 29 (ZirconBlue)


I will be nice and just say that I could have gone another 25-30 songs deep and this wouldn't have made my list.  Others like it, though, and that's cool.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 28, 2021, 06:40:39 PM
Surprisingly, Savior In The Square and Our New World did not make my 100 list. I can not break up SITS and WYTHC as I consider both one continuous scene. I see Gabriel sliding his guitar on his back to the front, as soon as he does he sees Faythe and mutters "An angel just appeared before my eyes" then he starts playing his song. Our New World is just okay for me, It does it's job though in addressing how the characters are now going to be living in their new world, which is like the happy/uplifting moment of the story before the end credits/summary song begins to play.

I also realized that I somehow missed adding in Stream Of Consciousness onto my rankings. Ooops...Guess I just wasn't feeling it at the time... :lol

I know what you mean.  Had those been a single song, I would likely rank it/them quite a bit higher, but broken up, it is difficult.  Same goes for Overture 1928 and Strange Deja Vu, which feels like one song that got broken up into two tracks.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 28, 2021, 06:52:15 PM
Afterlife is great. I have it at 46 but I’d say it’s pretty interchangeable with the 8-10 tracks I have ahead of it. From WDADU I only have Only A Matter of Time ahead of it. Great JP solo and one of the better tracks for Charlie’s voice probably.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 28, 2021, 07:06:16 PM
My rankings:

Afterlife: #70
Forsaken: #64

Both enjoyable songs. Glad to see they made it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 28, 2021, 07:15:00 PM
Surprisingly, Savior In The Square and Our New World did not make my 100 list. I can not break up SITS and WYTHC as I consider both one continuous scene. I see Gabriel sliding his guitar on his back to the front, as soon as he does he sees Faythe and mutters "An angel just appeared before my eyes" then he starts playing his song. Our New World is just okay for me, It does it's job though in addressing how the characters are now going to be living in their new world, which is like the happy/uplifting moment of the story before the end credits/summary song begins to play.

I also realized that I somehow missed adding in Stream Of Consciousness onto my rankings. Ooops...Guess I just wasn't feeling it at the time... :lol

I know what you mean.  Had those been a single song, I would likely rank it/them quite a bit higher, but broken up, it is difficult.  Same goes for Overture 1928 and Strange Deja Vu, which feels like one song that got broken up into two tracks.

I enjoy Overture 1928 enough to list it, and it ranks nicely next to Strange Deja Vu.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 28, 2021, 07:17:13 PM


I enjoy Overture 1928 enough to list it, and it ranks nicely next to Strange Deja Vu.

Oh, I listed both as well, but while both were in the 20s for me on their own, if they were together as one song, it would probably come close to the top 10 for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on December 28, 2021, 07:22:01 PM
Afterlife
My ranking: Not ranked (#135). Generally speaking, my Top 3 or 4 songs from WDADU are pretty consistent. But the bottom half tends to shift around a lot, both in terms of their rankings on the album and in DT's whole discography. Afterlife is a good listen, but as of this time, it's my least-favorite song on the album. I really like the chorus, and the keyboard solo is pretty cool, but the rest of the song is just alright. Not quite as exciting or interesting as the other songs on WDADU, but still good. I'll likely be reiterating this from time to time during this countdown, but the fact that a song like this is in my Bottom 10 Dream Theater songs is really a testament to how consistently great I think this band is.


Forsaken
My ranking: Not ranked (#127). I don't really get the distaste for this song. I would agree that it's not one of DT's better tracks, but it's still pretty good. It feels very unique in Dream Theater's discography, and the music and vocals are consistently good throughout. I don't have a problem with the lyrics, either, though I suppose if you're not into fantasy-themed lyrics I can get why they'd be detrimental to the song. I think I've ranked this as low as I have just because I'm not too familiar with this one. If I was more familiar with this song, I could see myself putting this song higher than it is currently.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 28, 2021, 08:12:35 PM
96 Afterlife #70
95 Forsaken #49

Next to the Ministry of Lost Souls, I ranked Forsaken highest of Systematic Chaos. I truly like it, but the most for LaBrie’s stunning performance. From the sigh and little tremble in his voice when he takes off, to the highest and most voluminious (is that even a word?) moments in the piece. Classic stand-out to me and even the vague dracula-theme, I can stand also.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 28, 2021, 08:41:16 PM
96 Afterlife
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 26 (Dream Team, wolfking)


I was happy to see this one make it.  This is the first of five songs from the debut to make the list.

The Score version improved this songs ranking for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 28, 2021, 09:09:52 PM
Afterlife ranked at 61 for me thanks to the incredible Score version, and Forsaken did not make my list, though it is a very strong song. There’s probably 20 songs that didn’t make my list that can be interchangeable with the bottom 20 of my list; it’s just so hard to definitely choose between so many amazing songs.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 28, 2021, 09:18:05 PM
I ranked all my songs based on their original album release for sake of consistency. Score would have bumped up Afterlife, Raise the Knife, and Another Won maybe 50 spots each.

Kev, is there a way to post the all the rankings revealed so far, maybe when you hit each 10 as a recap; so for example when you get to #91, post #100-#91?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 28, 2021, 09:20:19 PM
Forsaken #143 on my list. Which probably isn’t really fair. In looking at my final list, it’s just under AROP, and I definitely think it’s a bit better than that, but they are fairly similar. One of DTs more ho-hum singles.

But oddly enough, I was listening to the Chaos in Motion Live CD today for the first time since it came out and Disc 2 FREAKING ROCKS!!! And the performance of Forsaken was quite good.

If I reevaluated, I don’t think it would crack my top 100, but I would put it higher than I did.  It was 126 on my first time through the ranking engine, that’s probably a bit more fair.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 28, 2021, 09:23:07 PM


Kev, is there a way to post the all the rankings revealed so far, maybe when you hit each 10 as a recap; so for example when you get to #91, post #100-#91?

I am updating that in the first post of this thread on the fly.  :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on December 29, 2021, 12:28:18 AM
 - Afterlife: 75. What a cool song! Great riff, nice chorus, fantastic solo by Petrucci and one of the best unisons they have ever made! I also think that Charlie's voice fits the song quite well

- Forsaken: 74. Well, I've just listened to both songs again and I would probably switch the ranking now... :biggrin: ...too late. Anyway, I love when Dream Theater mingle their dark and their pop side, and this is one of the best examples of this cocktail. It's also one of my wife's favourite songs, she loves vampires...:)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Elite on December 29, 2021, 01:17:47 AM
Forsaken came at #82 in my list, and Afterlife at #68
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 29, 2021, 05:59:32 AM
Okay, here are four to chew on for today, none of which are from The Astonishing!

94 Through Her Eyes
Appeared on 17 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 35 (DragonAttack)


I will forever be stunned at how underrated this song seems to be.  It's like the red-headed stepchild of Scenes. 


93 I Walk Beside You
Appeared on 16 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 22 (DragonAttack)


I liked this song a lot at first, but over time it has become one I still like, but don't really seek out anymore. 


92 The Looking Glass
Appeared on 16 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 40 (devieira73)


I am sure the Rush cracks are coming given that the main riff is so similar to Limelight, but this is a good ole rock tune.  I like when they do these straight forward rock tunes.


91 To Live Forever
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 11 (toro)


I liked this right away when I first heard it on the Live in Tokyo VHS back in the day.  Many different versions, but they're all good!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 29, 2021, 06:05:27 AM
Is it physically possible to have 100 songs without including something from The Astonishing?

Edit: Apparently it is now. All studio album songs + ACOS + Viper King - The Astonishing - AVFTTOTW = 113
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Dream Team on December 29, 2021, 06:06:12 AM
Yup I had it ranked pretty high. Charlie’s voice probably does fit it better, but James crushes it on Score and the WDADRU version is really good too.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on December 29, 2021, 06:18:21 AM
- Through her eyes: 50. Wow, this one came up quite high with the engine...I love DT ballads, I love SFAM...and this song has a personal meaning for me, that's the reason why it's so high...just musically it would be lower

- I walk beside you: 69 Again, love for the ballads plus personal meaning...otherwise it would rank much lower. A bit too much U2-ish...

- The looking glass: out of the 100. Well, I have always found this song to be too "disconnected", the different pieces just don't match together that well. It's the same feeling I share for Trascending Time (another Rush tribute)

- To live forever: 66. I loved this song when I was a kid, at the time I loved all major-sounding DT songs. It has not grown that well for me, so the ranking is more a "legacy" ranking, but still a nice song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 29, 2021, 06:30:10 AM
Through Her Eyes: #41 - I agree that I feel this song is massively underrated. I understand that it is in an album full of great tracks but this song is just incredible.

I Walk Beside You: Unranked - Nothing against this song. Just there are over 100 DT songs I prefer.

The Looking Glass: #51 - I probably should've ranked this lower on the list (maybe at #70). One of the better songs from DT12.

To Live Forever: #95 - Fun track. First non-album track I heard from DT and first thought was "how come this didn't make the album, it's fantastic".
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 29, 2021, 06:42:50 AM
I have To Live Forever at 56. Love the vibe of that song, wish it was an official I&W album track to get a chance to see it live because I very much doubt they’ll ever play it again lol.

The other 3 did not make my list; IWBY and TLG are fun but definitely among my least favorite on each album, and I think Through Here Eyes is fine for the context of the album, but I never listen to it as a standalone song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 29, 2021, 06:52:13 AM
I really think that DT never made a bad song, but there's a few that I feel a bit indifferent... and, unfortunately, Forsaken is among them to me.
Afterlife is almost in that camp, but I really like the atmosphere of the verses and the solo section.
I can't believe Through Her Eyes didn't make my Top 100! I love that guitar line and that grand finale from Live Scenes!
To Live Forever is always a cool song in its many versions. Very cool intro added in the Happy Holidays album.
I always loved both I Walk Beside You and The Looking Glass - DT doing commercial songs right IMO. About TLG, although I reconize the similarity with Limelight riff, I hear this song with a more Journey's vibe than Rush. And that solo, like a mini Trial of Tears, is amazing!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2021, 07:00:36 AM
96 Afterlife
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 26 (Dream Team, wolfking)


I was happy to see this one make it.  This is the first of five songs from the debut to make the list.
That's kind of weird, since there aren't 5 good songs on the debut.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 29, 2021, 07:25:42 AM
My ranks:

The Looking Glass - 56. This is my highest ranked Mangini era track and one of the few I will occasionally seek out from time to time.

Through Her Eyes - 54. This has never been a favorite, but listening back through SFAM recently for the survivor made me appreciate it a bit more.

I Walk Beside You - 40. The last MP era DT song I really liked, even if it is an imitation of Coldplay imitating U2.

To Live Forever - 19. This one might be getting inflated a bit by the awesome live version that appeared on the 5 Years in a LiveTime release (one of James’ best live moments). But the version that was on Greatest Hit was also really good (what a sneaky great JP solo!). Looking at my list again, I have it one spot ahead of Take The Time though, and it feels like those orders should probably be swapped. Also another track with a U2 influence. I like when DT is being a heavier U2 though.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 29, 2021, 08:59:41 AM
Also, To Live Forever is the original DT vampire song, right? Or maybe it’s about Highlander.  :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Trav86 on December 29, 2021, 09:30:14 AM
@Kevshmev, when this is done could you make an album ranking based off your stats? Like, from the number of songs on each, and how high they ranked? I don’t think I have the patience to do it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 29, 2021, 09:30:49 AM
96 Afterlife (#64)

The Score version gave me such a new appreciation for this. I remember when they started doing Afterlife in 1993 and dropped The Killing Hand and I thought we were getting shortchanged. Now, I can look back at those old boots with much more open ears. The WDADU version really lacks some punch.


95 Forsaken (#67)

I think Forsaken is solid AF. And like the rest of SC, James sings fantastic on it. I feel like rangewise, they didn't ask a lot of him, but what he did sing, he was on point.


94 Through Her Eyes (#77)

My appreciation for this came from the LSFNY version. Really emotional performance by James.


93 I Walk Beside You (#66)

This is a great perky tune. I never thought much of it at first, but they won me over when I saw it live in '06. This translates perfectly live.

92 The Looking Glass (#97)

Not a bad song, but would've missed the list had I been able to include the new album.


91 To Live Forever (Not Rated)

I don't get it, I have never gotten it, and I don't think I ever will..
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 29, 2021, 09:47:43 AM
My ranking-

Through Her Eyes - 123
I Walk Beside You - 54
The Looking Glass - 44
To Live Forever - 59

THE is good in the context of the album, and a perfect “breather” between BTL and Home. But doesn’t do much for me by itself.

I love IWBY. It was just a fun little tune on the album (which again, perfectly encapsulates the many facets of DT) but seeing it at the Score show really took it to another level.

TLG is another really fun song. The first of the three songs in the middle that firmly secured the self titled as my favorite Mangini album.

TLF has some nostalgia going for it. It was probably the first widely known non-album track. It’s a good song, but it never felt “done” to me. Even the finished 93 version seems to meander a bit. Like they started with a pretty good idea and then could never quite figure out where to take it. Of all the versions out there, I prefer the 91 version. The 93 sounds more polished, but it just doesn’t fit the song to my ears.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 29, 2021, 09:59:28 AM
91 To Live Forever (Not Rated)

I don't get it, I have never gotten it, and I don't think I ever will..

 Seconded
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 29, 2021, 10:09:26 AM
I like it just fine.  But there are at least 100 other DT songs that I like more. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 29, 2021, 11:18:43 AM
94 Through Her Eyes #57
93 I Walk Beside You #90
92 the Looking Glass #63
91 To Live Forever # -

Through Her Eyes is - to me - one of the most outstanding pieces of Myung on Scenes. Especially with that fretless bass of his. That's so touching and emotional.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 29, 2021, 11:34:20 AM
96 - Afterlife: (Did Not Rank)

It's a song that I don't mind and I like the Score version, but it's one that is just there for me. If it comes on I will enjoy it and listen to it, but I don't go seeking it out to play it much at all. I enjoy the vocal melodies the most and actually would enjoy a duet of Charlie and LaBrie for this song.

95 - Forsaken: (Did Not Rank)

Another song that is just there for me. It's similar to Afterlife in I like the vocal melodies, and I thought it was great hearing these vocals when Systematic Chaos was released. I only wish that outro higher vocal line was a bit more upfront in the mix. It reminds me of Going Under by Evanescence and Cold by Static-X, smoothly blended in the verses.

94 - Through Her Eyes: #39

I agree with what Kev said about this song. This was the second song I was anxious to see during the Distant Memories tour (I personally loved that set-list and was stunned as I did not look at the set-list before the Denver show). I enjoy the Demo versions ending, but I listed the Live Scenes From New York version because that bombastic outro suits the song and is fantastic in the live setting, which I was hoping they would've done for the Distant Memories tour, but alas they didn't and I was a  :sadpanda: a bit. Also because it features Teresa Tompson as a live guest.

93 - I Walk Beside You: #70

This one shuffles a lot if I were to rank songs monthly. I prefer the pace of the album version over the Score version. That is a bit too fast and I feel the vocal melodies suffer as the notes are not sustained long enough. I love the vocal melodies over this key and chord progression. What makes the vocal melodies soar is the pacing of the song.

92 - The Looking Glass: (Did Not Rank)

It's an alright song. If they play it live this tour I'll still be rocking out and singing along to it. It's not one I go out to listen to, but if I am in the right mood, I'll listen to it.

91 - To Live Forever: #78

I like the New York '93 official bootleg of the song, or more that version of the song. I ranked the Happy Holidays version because that is more closer to what I got when I saw them live on the I&W&B tour, which I am so happy to have been fortunate enough to have seen.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 29, 2021, 12:11:06 PM
I’ve listened to To Live Forever like 6 or 7 times today. It’s really great.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 29, 2021, 12:13:58 PM
I’ve listened to To Live Forever like 6 or 7 times today. It’s really great.

Which version out of curiosity? It’s almost weird how this particular song has so many quite different official releases. The 91 & 93 studio versions, and then the extended live jam from LIT, and then the OIALT video version (which I believe is on the fan club cd as well)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 29, 2021, 12:28:42 PM
I’ve listened to To Live Forever like 6 or 7 times today. It’s really great.

It really is  :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Dream Team on December 29, 2021, 12:54:49 PM
96 Afterlife
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 26 (Dream Team, wolfking)


I was happy to see this one make it.  This is the first of five songs from the debut to make the list.
That's kind of weird, since there aren't 5 good songs on the debut.

Actually exactly 5 really good, 3 pretty flawed.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 29, 2021, 01:21:00 PM
I’ve listened to To Live Forever like 6 or 7 times today. It’s really great.

Which version out of curiosity? It’s almost weird how this particular song has so many quite different official releases. The 91 & 93 studio versions, and then the extended live jam from LIT, and then the OIALT video version (which I believe is on the fan club cd as well)

Mostly ‘93 (which I greatly prefer to ‘91) but also the 5YIALT which is tremendous. I prefer the production (especially the drums) on the later studio version, and it does feel more finished. I wish they would put out a CD with the full fan club show from 5YIALT. Maybe in a future Lost But Not Forgotten release.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 29, 2021, 02:02:23 PM
96. Afterlife: NR  Great ‘Score’ version. Damn, an instrumentally killer track.  I’m just not a fan of Iron Maiden-ish vocals.

95.  Forsaken: NR.  Good placement on the LP, but lyrics about vampires don’t do much for me (unless it’s Alice Cooper😉) It just didn’t age well for me on a very dark album.  I hear hints of it later on in ‘Paralyzed’.

94.  Through Her Eyes (#35) The 2nd one where I gave a song its highest rank (the mellow ol’ fart strikes again) I didn’t own SFAM or Live Scenes until after the 8vm release.  The lyrics made me think of a classmate I lost who was like my sister. Perfect placement on the studio album.  The live version with the JP and Teresa Thomason intro, and the harder edged ending is even better. My wife absolutely loves the GH version with the sax.  Also, James was amazing on the last tour.

93. I Walk Beside You (#22) and the ol’ fart strikes again!  TALW/TDTW/IWBY is a great ‘trilogy’ to me, and I’ll probably get the highest rankings for the other two as well.  They had wonderful animation with it on their ’09 tour.  It’s upbeat and short.  The lyrics are inspirational and spiritual, without being overtly religious, because it could be a spouse/best friend trying to cheer up their cohort.  The ‘ohhhhhh, when everything is wrong, ohhhhhh when helplessness surrounds you, ohhh…..” segment is one of their best LV/BV combined moments.  Would have concluded a very highly ranked old fashioned side one vinyl record.  Perfectly placed in the ‘Score’ set.

92. The Looking Glass (#79)  Lots of good material in a short song.  Had never thought of the Journey vibe mentioned earlier, but certainly heard it today.

91. To Live Forever (#56 as an earlier poster).  Nice addition to ‘Hit’.  Inserted after ‘Lie’ on my ‘Awake’ version.  Clever twists in the lyrics.

Because of this thread, I heard the Tokyo and 5 Years versions for the first time today!  Heap on all the accolades for this tune and the early years.  ‘Spacy’ middle, driving ending (a shame it doesn’t have a proper finish)…but what an unexpected treat all these years later. :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 29, 2021, 02:28:19 PM

91. To Live Forever (#56 as an earlier poster).  Nice addition to ‘Hit’.  Inserted after ‘Lie’ on my ‘Awake’ version.  Clever twists in the lyrics.

Because of this thread, I heard the Tokyo and 5 Years versions for the first time today!  Heap on all the accolades for this tune and the early years.  ‘Spacy’ middle, driving ending (a shame it doesn’t have a proper finish)…but what an unexpected treat all these years later. :tup

Awesome! Glad you got to check out those live versions.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 29, 2021, 02:32:36 PM
91 To Live Forever (Not Rated)

I don't get it, I have never gotten it, and I don't think I ever will..

 Seconded

Yep, I'll echo that.  Didn't even give it a thought for my 100.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 29, 2021, 02:33:22 PM
I love IWBY.  My list is at home but I think I had it around 35-40.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 29, 2021, 05:20:34 PM


95.  Forsaken: NR.  Good placement on the LP, but lyrics about vampires don’t do much for me (unless it’s Alice Cooper😉) It just didn’t age well for me on a very dark album.  I hear hints of it later on in ‘Paralyzed’.


 ;)

Forsaken is so much better than Paralyzed though. I always enjoy hearing it.

I've never thought about the lyrics honestly. I would have no idea what they were about.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on December 29, 2021, 07:25:07 PM
Through Her Eyes
My ranking: #81. I don't like the female singing in the first minute or so of this song. It just doesn't sound good to me at all, and it drags the song down for me. In contrast, everything after that is of such greatness that if the female vocals had been removed, this song would be guaranteed a spot in my Top 20, maybe even my Top 10.


I Walk Beside You
My ranking: Not ranked (#119). This is a pleasant song. Nothing particularly special about it, but it's a solid song from start to finish. I really like the heartwarming lyrics, and James delivers them very nicely. I think this would end up higher in my rankings if I listened to it more.


The Looking Glass
My ranking: Not ranked (#131). This used to be somewhere in my Bottom 5 Dream Theater songs, but it's gone up a little since then. There's nothing wrong with The Looking Glass at all, but not much stands out and the whole song feels a little unremarkable. It's nice to listen to, but it's not very often that I listen to it in the first place.


I have not listened to To Live Forever before, and as such I don't have anything to say about it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 29, 2021, 08:17:29 PM
I have not listened to To Live Forever before, and as such I don't have anything to say about it.

No time like the present!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vVtAfYC1CNE
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 29, 2021, 08:24:54 PM
@Kevshmev, when this is done could you make an album ranking based off your stats? Like, from the number of songs on each, and how high they ranked? I don’t think I have the patience to do it.

Haha, trying to give me more work, eh?  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on December 30, 2021, 12:47:51 AM
This would be my ranking of the albums based on the songs ranking and a related simple scoring system (#1 gets 100 points, #100 gets 1)
The figures show total points, # of ranked songs, average score per ranked song, total # of songs in the album, average score per total # of songs.
Sorry for the table alignment, I don't know how to make it square..:)

Album                     Points   #  Avg   # tot Avg tot
Images and words      695   8     87     8    87
The Astonishing          662   19   35     34   19
Awake                        614   10   61     11   56
A dramatic turn           546   8     68     9   61
SFAM                         534   10    53     12   45
Dream Theater           347   5     69     9   39
Six Degrees                256   5     51     6   43
When Day                  250   6     42     8   31
Falling into infinity       245   5     49     11   22
Octavarium                 210   5     42     8   26
Train of thoughts         191   5     38     7   27
Distance over time      175   6     29     10   18
Others                        133   2    67     Na   Na
Black clouds                116   3    39     6   19
Systematic chaos         76    3     25     7   11


Looking at the average score calculated on all songs, I&W clearly dominates, while ADTOE turns out to be at number 2, even though I would not consider it to be my 2nd favourite album..

SFAM is my 2nd favourite, because its "value" as an album is certainly higher than the sum of the individual songs...:)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 30, 2021, 05:56:29 AM
Three more!  I will probably list a few more later today.

90 New Millennium
Appeared on 13 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 16 (devieira73)


This made the list despite appearing only half of the top 100s. It was helped big time by finishing in the top 21 of four of the lists.  It did not make mine.  I like the song, but it's not one I reach for on its own.


89 Vacant
Appeared on 17 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 15 (425)


Always liked this song quite a bit.  It keeps the dark vibe of Train of Thought going, but gives us a few minutes to relax amongst all of the metal.


88 A Life Left Behind
Appeared on 17 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 12 (NoFred)


I honestly thought this one would finish higher, as it seems like one from The Astonishing that gets talked up the most.  I had it at 93, so this seems about right.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 30, 2021, 06:42:49 AM
New Millennium: #83 - Fun song with really cool instrumental section.

Vacant: #44 - One of JLB highlights for me. The mood of this song along with the great vocal melodies are just perfect.

A Life Left Behind: unranked - This songs has some cool things going for it, just not enough to make it to my top 100.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 30, 2021, 07:12:50 AM
I have Vacant at 69, I’ve always loved the haunted vibe of that song. It’s also a superior use of the melody in Stream of Consciousness, which ranked a few spots lower for me.

A Life Left Behind was originally on my list, but then I realized 6:00 and The Best of Times were snubbed so I had to change a couple of songs lol.

New Millennium just never clicked with me. I enjoy it from time to time, but it’s not one I normally sell out.

And I echo the sentiment mentioned earlier that DT has not released a bad song; there’s a few that I don’t really care for (like WYTHC, Repentance  and OoR), but even those songs have redeeming qualities that prevent it from being an outright bad song.

As we get further into the list, I’m starting to wonder if the most overhated DT song is going to make the cut: Raw Dog, which I have at 55 on my list  :corn
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 30, 2021, 07:18:07 AM


As we get further into the list, I’m starting to wonder if the most overhated DT song is going to make the cut: Raw Dog, which I have at 55 on my list  :corn

Let's put your wonder to rest now. ;)

162 songs were ranked (any DT song that made a top 100 is one of the 162).  Raw Dog finished at 150.  Probably too high. :lol :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Elite on December 30, 2021, 07:23:20 AM
What song was #162? :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 30, 2021, 07:25:45 AM
What song was #162? :biggrin:

Gladiator Theme.  It finished with 1 point (it made one list and at number 100 :lol).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 30, 2021, 07:37:34 AM
90 New Millennium (#16 for me)
I always loved this song since the first time I've heard it  - I was immediately impressed by its very cool instrumental with a very exotic/dark vibe. Like Lines in the Sand, it's also very different from the entire DT's catalog and very Derek's influenced.

89 Vacant (- for me)
I think it has a very interesting atmosphere, but it does sound more like a interlude than a complete song.

88 A Life Left Behind (#68 for me)
I love the intro so much, maybe my favorite part of TA along with the outro of A New Beginning. But I must add that the verses that follow the intro, I don't like them very much, although I think the song gets better in its last third. Summing up, I think the intro is what really makes the song totally worth for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 30, 2021, 07:55:37 AM
Some fun facts to chew on about the top 100:

-97 of the 100 songs come from the 14 eligible studio albums
-of the 3 songs not from those studio albums, we have already seen one at 91 (To Live Forever)
-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100
-the two albums tied for the 2nd most songs in the top 100 are not among the four that have every song featured
-three songs will not finish in the top 50 despite being the number 1 song on someone's list (no spoilers if you think yours is one of them, please)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Elite on December 30, 2021, 08:31:22 AM
Some fun facts to chew on about the top 100:

-97 of the 100 songs come from the 14 eligible studio albums
-of the 3 songs not from those studio albums, we have already seen one at 91 (To Live Forever)

So, one of them has to be A Change of Seasons and then there's a random song thrown in there somewhere. Maybe Raise the Knife or Another Won, since both were featured on Score?

-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100
-the two albums tied for the 2nd most songs in the top 100 are not among the four that have every song featured

SDOIT (6 songs), BC&SL (6 songs), I&W (8 songs) and ... Octavarium? (please don't)

not every song from Train of Thought made the list, since it has 7 and the tied 2nd place is not complete, so that means two incomplete albums with 7 tracks on there. My bet is on ADTOE and the self-titled giving 7 songs each.

Semi-random guesses for the rest of the albums:

WDADU gets 5 (confirmed by Kev)
Awake gets 7
FII gets 6
SFAM gets 10
ToT gets 6
Systematic Chaos gets 5 (out of 7!)
The Astonishing gets 11
DoT gets 5



-three songs will not finish in the top 50 despite being the number 1 song on someone's list (no spoilers if you think yours is one of them, please)

Wow! I don't think this applies to me though. I am getting slightly worried for some other high placed songs in mine :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 30, 2021, 08:35:51 AM
-of the 3 songs not from those studio albums, we have already seen one at 91 (To Live Forever)

I am VERY confident I know what the other two are, but won't post them unless you say I can.

-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100

Hmm... I will say those four albums likely are:
-Images
-Awake
-Train of Thought
-Six Degrees

Very confident about the first two.  Not quite a much about the last two.  I would not be that surprised if FII replaced one of those two, but You Not Me exists, so...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 30, 2021, 08:38:40 AM
Some fun facts to chew on about the top 100:

-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100
-the two albums tied for the 2nd most songs in the top 100 are not among the four that have every song featured

My bets (edited):
I&W, Awake, 6Degrees and ADTOE;
Scenes and TA
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on December 30, 2021, 08:41:13 AM
Some fun facts to chew on about the top 100:

-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100
-the two albums tied for the 2nd most songs in the top 100 are not among the four that have every song featured

My bets:
I&W, Scenes, 6Degrees and ADTOE;
Awake and TA

I don't think Scenes has every song in the top 100 because of Regression and Through My Words. So maybe swap it with Awake and you might be right.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 30, 2021, 08:42:48 AM
You're right!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on December 30, 2021, 09:32:17 AM
 - New Millenium: no rank for me. I think it's actually one of the very few "bad" songs by Dream Theater...I just don't feel it...and I'am not the only one ..:)
http://www.prog-sphere.com/interviews/resurfacing-an-interview-with-james-labrie/

 - Vacant: 22. I love dark ballads, and this one is just a jewel. The major-minor tension is just amazing here.

- A life left behind: 60. One of the best stand alone tracks from the Astonishing, with a beautiful main melody. It's in my wife's top-10 as well..
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 30, 2021, 10:28:56 AM
My ranking:

New Millennium - 19
Vacant - 92
A Life Left Behind - 51

LOVE LOVE LOVE New Millennium!!! That Chapman Stick riff is incredible, and it’s in my top 10 instrumental sections in their whole catalog. I’m baffled by the indifference it always gets. It ranks #2 from the album to me.

Vacant is so beautiful. But in the head to head contests, it got bumped down the list for the simple reason of being more of an intro to SOC than a proper song.

ALLB is my top ranking song from TA and it just barely missed my top 50. Best chorus on the whole album and I love the fun extended introduction.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 30, 2021, 10:31:07 AM
I&W and Awake were my two favorite albums by any band when FII was released. And man, about half way through New Millennium, I was afraid this album was going to be the letdown it ultimately was.

-three songs will not finish in the top 50 despite being the number 1 song on someone's list (no spoilers if you think yours is one of them, please)

One of those could be me. I don't have a indisputable "favorite" DT song, the top 5-10 are pretty equal. If asked, I doubt I would say the song I have at #1 is actually my #1 song, but it's how it washed out using the ranking engine, so I just left it there, in part because I knew it wouldn't be that high for anyone else.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 30, 2021, 10:52:11 AM
90 - New Millenium: (Did Not Rank)

I enjoy the chapman stick and that sitar. But that's about it.

89 - Vacant: (Did Not Rank)

I would rank this together with Stream of Consciousness. It's a nice build-up or prelude to SoC, with it being about a person not being able to be conscious in life, like in a coma. Vacant represents the outsiders views, feelings, and emotions. While SoC represents the person in a coma swimming in the Stream of Consciousness (I'll explain more if this song ends up in the top 100 and I am sure it will).

88 - A Life Left Behind #71

I really enjoy the emotional aspects of this song. It's the moment where Faythe has chosen her path of division to leave behind the life she once knew. Arabelle understands this and knows she can't do much about it as she felt she lost her control of Faythe long before that moment of clarity. I enjoy how the themes of Faythe and Arabelle blend into this emotional song of "I'm waking up"...My ranking does not show or do justice to how much I enjoy this song. It does however show just how much more I love the rest of Dream Theaters songs.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 30, 2021, 11:46:01 AM
New Millennium is 17 for me. I love the intro and instrumental section, and I think the chorus is pretty great too. The verses (especially the second one) do hold it back a bit for me. If they lopped that second verse off it would have been perfect.

I have Vacant at 59. It’s a nice little breather on ToT, and kind of a unique song in DT’s catalog. I like it more than love it though.

Also, I have 3 non-album tracks in my top 20.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 30, 2021, 12:38:10 PM
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope

Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 30, 2021, 01:09:44 PM
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope

Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal

Jeez, you weren't kidding when you said you've been sick.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 30, 2021, 01:12:48 PM
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope

Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal

Jeez, you weren't kidding when you said you've been sick.

 :lol


What does everyone have against Raw Dog? I think it's  :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 30, 2021, 01:14:48 PM
I&W and Awake were my two favorite albums by any band when FII was released. And man, about half way through New Millennium, I was afraid this album was going to be the letdown it ultimately was.
I was similar to this.  However, New Millennium was not the disappointment for me.  It was certainly different, but I expected a little different.

The album (with a few high points, to be sure) got much worse after that.  I almost couldn't believe it was the same band.

And Raw Dog is fucking terrible.  If you like it, I'm glad for you. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 30, 2021, 01:18:57 PM
Hefdaddy is glad for me!      Hefdaddy is glad for me!!     Hefdaddy is glad for me!!!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on December 30, 2021, 01:27:04 PM
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 30, 2021, 01:34:35 PM
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.

Isn't the intro and outro really a nod to King Crimson? I mean, sure, that may explain why it'd be awful, but I don't really mind it. But everything in between is aces.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on December 30, 2021, 01:56:14 PM
New Millenium-  #62 - Other than You Not Me, I love FII!

Vacant- not rated.  I like the song, just prefer others more.

A Life Left Behind -   #55 - great song! I discovered DT in Feb 2016 - right after the Astonishing was released. It took a while for me to get it (and seeing it live, totally made it happen). During that time, I was in a re-discovery time of rock/metal music.  I had been raising kids and just was so full and happy, (and tired), that I wasn't listening to this music. But, this kind of music was my first love.... Before I really knew the lyrics to TA, I would think to myself. "I am waking up to my old love of metal music". Then, when I heard these lyrics, it meant even more for me..
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 30, 2021, 02:39:58 PM
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope

Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal

Jeez, you weren't kidding when you said you've been sick.

 :lol


What does everyone have against Raw Dog? I think it's  :metal

Now I know why my brain hurts when I partake in your Roulettes.  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 30, 2021, 02:42:58 PM
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope

Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal

Jeez, you weren't kidding when you said you've been sick.

 :lol


What does everyone have against Raw Dog? I think it's  :metal

Now I know why my brain hurts when I partake in your Roulettes.  :lol

Now I know why my ears hurt when you partake in my Roulettes. :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on December 30, 2021, 02:50:27 PM
Sorry to be late to the party in comparing my list to what’s been posted thus far. Here’s how my list ranks compared to them thus far:

100 The X Aspect – didn’t make my top 100
99 Never Enough – 27
98 A Savior in the Square – didn’t make my top 100
97 Our New World – didn’t make my top 100
96 Afterlife – didn’t make my top 100
95 Forsaken – 41
94 Through Her Eyes – didn’t make my top 100
93 I Walk Beside You – 82
92 The Looking Glass – didn’t make my top 100
91 To Live Forever – 75

Obviously not many TA tracks made the cut for me, nor did Afterlife which was the only track from WDaDU that didn’t make it. OTOH, I had quite a few non-album tracks that did make the cut, but it seems few of you agree.  :lol

As for the other 2 non-album tracks that made the list, other than ACoS (a given), I would say RtK. If not that one, then S2M. Disappointed that I know it won’t be Bombay Vindaloo, which is an awesome track in my book (#16 for me).

Glad that NE did make the top 100, although just barely! Surprised that TLF didn’t rate higher overall than it did.

Regarding Raw Dog, I’m definitely in the minority that like the track. On my list, it ended up being 96, but I think if I would have taken the time to re-rank everything according to that website (which I didn’t use at all – it’s cool, but I didn’t have the patience for it), it might rank higher than it did.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on December 30, 2021, 03:49:52 PM
New Millennium
My ranking: Not ranked (#140). The opening instrumental is pretty good, but after that it's just kind of okay. There's some interesting ideas here (like the "Keep your head up" section after the first chorus) but they don't seem executed particularly well. That said, I'd call this song good. 7/10. You've got a great band when your third-worst song from their discography is a 7/10.


Vacant
My ranking: #97. Very beautiful ballad. Not the best one they've done, but it's still pretty great. I love the emotions being conveyed... It's hollow, yet deeply sad, if that makes sense. That's the feeling I get from it, anyway. Whether listening to it on its own or as a segue into Stream of Consciousness, this is a beautiful and emotional listen.


A Life Left Behind
My ranking: #65. One of the better songs from The Astonishing, though not quite in the top tier of that album. The instrumental that opens the song is great, though my favorite parts come after that. The chorus feels so hopeful, and much like A Savior in the Square (plus quite a few other songs from this album) the music and story are complementing each other very well. So many good moments with this one...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 30, 2021, 04:48:40 PM
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope

Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal

Jeez, you weren't kidding when you said you've been sick.

 :lol


What does everyone have against Raw Dog? I think it's  :metal

Yes, it's a lost battle, but... Raw Dog #96 :metal
It has entered the top 100 only because I have to left 6 songs from View out :angry: ;)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 30, 2021, 05:03:46 PM
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.

Isn't the intro and outro really a nod to King Crimson? I mean, sure, that may explain why it'd be awful, but I don't really mind it. But everything in between is aces.

Underrated comment.  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 30, 2021, 05:06:00 PM
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.

Isn't the intro and outro really a nod to King Crimson? I mean, sure, that may explain why it'd be awful, but I don't really mind it. But everything in between is aces.

Underrated comment.  :lol

That's a keen eye! :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 30, 2021, 05:17:58 PM
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.

Fair assessment. I agree that the intro is obnoxious, but that’s part of why I love it; it’s just the right amount of obnoxious and heavy to be pleasing to my ears haha. The riffs in the middle of the song are seriously killer, and JP and JR’s solos are some of my favorites they’ve ever done honestly.

My rankings are also partially impacted by how much I enjoy playing the drum parts on each song. I rated the songs based on the overall composition, but certain songs gained some bonus points if I really enjoy playing the drum parts, and Raw Dog is one of those songs.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on December 30, 2021, 08:19:47 PM
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.

Isn't the intro and outro really a nod to King Crimson? I mean, sure, that may explain why it'd be awful, but I don't really mind it. But everything in between is aces.

Underrated comment.  :lol

That's a keen eye! :lol

Stuck out instantly to me.  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 30, 2021, 09:35:13 PM
90 New Millennium #-
89 Vacant #99
88 A Life Left Behind #-

The Astonishing has so many beautiful moments, but they’re weaved in each other mostly. To me it’s hard to separate them from one another. Sometimes it’s just a part of a song (like a Savior In the Square), sometimes it’s bigger than a song.

New Millennium was fighting You Not Me hard for being the least track of Falling Into Infinity. And although it’s obvious loss, it’s still not as near, being beautiful.

Next to a Change of Seasons I think it would be between Eve and Raise the Knife, who made the list. But being on Score, that might have done it for RtK.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 31, 2021, 07:04:27 AM
Here is the next batch of five!  All from The Astonishing, and this leaves just one song left from that record that made the top 100. :eek :eek

87 Ravenskill
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 23 (KevShmev)


I was the highest on this one and stand by it.  Killer song, one that I feel gets lost in the shuffle for a lot of fans because of how many songs there on that record.


86 The Path That Divides
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 14 (marztacy)


I don't get the mad love some have for this song, although I do like it. It did not make my top 100.


85 Three Days
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 30 (geeeemo, Elite)


I had this one at 34, not so not quite the highest, but pretty close.  Love it.  It's amazing how much they pack into 3 minutes and 44 seconds.


84 Moment of Betrayal
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 45 (erciccio)


I was at 78 on this one. Definitely one of the major highlights of Disc 2 of The Astonishing.


83 The Gift of Music
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 37 (TAC)


This came at 80 for me, so this ranking seems about right. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on December 31, 2021, 07:09:44 AM
That’s an astonishing update, Kev.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on December 31, 2021, 07:14:15 AM
I have The Gift of Music at 65. It’s a fun tune.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 31, 2021, 07:17:45 AM
Some fun facts to chew on about the top 100:

-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100
-the two albums tied for the 2nd most songs in the top 100 are not among the four that have every song featured

After that last update, I believe the four albums with all tracks included will be Awake, Images & Words, 6 Degrees, and Train of Thought, and the 2 that tie for 2nd most songs will be The Astonishing and Scenes. I expected at least a few more than 10 Astonishing songs to make the cut honestly. Seems like a decent amount of my list did not make the cut lol

TPTD and Ravenskill were my highest ranking Astonighing songs at 59 and 60, Three Days landed at 84, Moment of Betrayal was at 98, and Gift of Music did not rank for me, curiously.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Elite on December 31, 2021, 07:48:12 AM
I'm going to make a guess that Act of Faythe is the last Astonishing song to make the cut, but what do I know.

Three Days was the highest track I ranked from The Astonishing (at #30 indeed) and one of 'only' 7 in my entire list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 31, 2021, 08:14:50 AM
The last track from TA has to be A New Beginning!! :metal
Maybe this 10 track selection from TA can make some people apreciate a bit more something from the album.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 31, 2021, 08:50:18 AM
87 Ravenskill
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 23 (KevShmev)


I was the highest on this one and stand by it.  Killer song, one that I feel gets lost in the shuffle for a lot of fans because of how many songs there on that record.

Love that song.  I'll repeat a short story about it:  After one of my listens on my bike ride home from the office (about 23 miles), I either texted or emailed JP (I forget which) and feigned half-serious anger/frustration at how one of the tastiest riffs he has ever composed disappears after four bars, never to be seen again.  He basically laughed and said he'll have to keep that in mind and build a song around it for The Astonishing II.  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Dream Team on December 31, 2021, 11:35:40 AM
The last track from TA has to be A New Beginning!! :metal
Maybe this 10 track selection from TA can make some people apreciate a bit more something from the album.

Can’t be anything else . . .
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 31, 2021, 02:58:31 PM
87 Ravenskill
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 23 (KevShmev)


I was the highest on this one and stand by it.  Killer song, one that I feel gets lost in the shuffle for a lot of fans because of how many songs there on that record.

Love that song.  I'll repeat a short story about it:  After one of my listens on my bike ride home from the office (about 23 miles), I either texted or emailed JP (I forget which) and feigned half-serious anger/frustration at how one of the tastiest riffs he has ever composed disappears after four bars, never to be seen again.  He basically laughed and said he'll have to keep that in mind and build a song around it for The Astonishing II.  :lol

Besides the comments in this thread (and others), this is one of the main reasons I love this forum.  Knowledge 'from the inside' and shared makes this all worth while :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on December 31, 2021, 05:40:14 PM
87 Ravenskill.  47. So good. It is an importantant part of the story. For love, saving Gabriel and the spark to restore Nepharyus. I love the atmosphere, that middle riff and the drama.

86 The Path That Divides. 61. Another great moment of the story. And some of the most intense parts. The music is heavy and interesting and James is fab.

85 Three Days.  30
 I have loved this song since the first moment I heard it. Many of the songs took a while to digest and figure out which character was speaking and what was happeing in the story. I'll also always remember seeing James performance. (My first show and new to DT) He was Neparyuas to me when he sang it.. When I really became hooked! I love the melodrama aspect of Nepharyus' theme. The song is fun, heavy, and my ringtone.  :biggrin:




84 Moment of Betrayal. 51 Another great rocker. I played this over and over when I first heard it. Its a good stand alone song.

83 The Gift of Music. Mot rated. I dont care for this song as much as most of the rest of the record. But dislike Our New World even more. And even more when Lzzy Hale performed with James. I  was there right up front.

13 TA songs made my top.100.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 31, 2021, 08:24:56 PM
87 Ravenskill
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 23 (KevShmev)


I was the highest on this one and stand by it.  Killer song, one that I feel gets lost in the shuffle for a lot of fans because of how many songs there on that record.

Love that song.  I'll repeat a short story about it:  After one of my listens on my bike ride home from the office (about 23 miles), I either texted or emailed JP (I forget which) and feigned half-serious anger/frustration at how one of the tastiest riffs he has ever composed disappears after four bars, never to be seen again.  He basically laughed and said he'll have to keep that in mind and build a song around it for The Astonishing II.  :lol

Astonishing Pt. II: Scenes From Ravenskill confirmed
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on December 31, 2021, 11:09:13 PM
87 Ravenskill #74
86 the Path That Divides #82
85 Three Days #-
84 Moment of Betrayal #-
83 the Gift of Music #66

The last track from TA has to be A New Beginning!! :metal

Wouldn't be too sure, the Answer, When Your Time Has Come, Chosen, Brother, Can You Here Me and even the Road to Revolution might be ending up as a winner, as well.But still it's hard to separate the tracks from one another. There's just so many goods inside the Astonishing. From my own top 100-list it's likely Dystopian Overture, Act of Faythe and the gorgious emotional one-two Whispers On the Wind and Hymn of a Thousand Voices didn't make it.

Ravenskill however has - to me - LaBrie's finest moment of the Astonishing, when he reaches that higher "he sees humanity behind the stranger's eyes."
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 01, 2022, 07:20:45 AM
If I had 4 minutes to show someone what Dream Theater was about, I hand them The Gift Of Music.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 01, 2022, 08:07:38 AM
Let's start off the new year this morning with three, one that would be in my bottom 5 and then two I feel are underrated.

82 Constant Motion
Appeared on 17 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 22 (Laughingplace56)


I am not going to lie: every time I went through a list and saw this appeared on one, I rolled my eyes, especially once I realized that it was getting enough votes to make the top 100.


81 Honor Thy Father
Appeared on 16 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 19 (wolfking)


I had this one at 53, so, yeah, it is big time underrated if you ask me.  This is one of their most balls-to-the-wall rocking songs ever.


80 The Silent Man
Appeared on 16 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 22 (HOF)


I had this at 29, and it is worth noting that if A Mind Beside Itself had been counted as a single song for the purposes of this, it would have been number 1, so that shows how highly I think of all three parts of it.  This song is criminally underrated.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 01, 2022, 08:23:15 AM
87 Ravenskill #51
86 the Path That Divides #73
85 Three Days #75
84 Moment of Betrayal #65
83 the Gift of Music #37


All 5 of these made my list. In fact, I had 14 The Astonishing tracks in my Top 100.

Ravenskill is an amazing track. I think it's criminally underrated.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Trav86 on January 01, 2022, 08:51:04 AM


80 The Silent Man
Appeared on 16 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 22 (HOF)



This is the first one where I feel it should be a lot higher. Like, 50 more spots.
I know I’m in the minority that really loves this song. I generally hold the DT ballads in higher regard than most folks around her, it seems.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 01, 2022, 12:18:29 PM
People using "criminally" so often is becoming... well, criminal.  :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 01, 2022, 12:19:53 PM
People using "criminally" so often is becoming... well, criminal.  :)

Guilty as a criminal.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 01, 2022, 12:21:06 PM
(https://y.yarn.co/e3783470-4b4a-4559-b399-f003bad715cb_text.gif)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 01, 2022, 01:11:57 PM
Constant Motion (#39) and Honor Thy Father (#56) are both excellents heavy DT songs, with great solo/instrumental passages. I never understood why CM is so under appreciated… The Silent Man is really nice, but it works more in the context of the epic.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 01, 2022, 01:33:43 PM
82  Constant Motion

I have this at #79. I was a bit surprised at this style when it was released as a single. The lyrics are kind of corny.."you got yours and I got mine", but I like the sentiment of the song. The instrumental section in the middle is top notch. The verse always reminded me of Anthrax's I Am The Law.


81  Honor Thy Father

This didn't make my Top 100. I never considered it, actually. Yes, this song is heavy AF, but I don't know. The lyrics are a bit strong. Been a long time since I have actually listened to this. I am glad I saw it live on the Gigantour though.


80 The Silent Man

This didn't make my Top 100. It is such an afterthought after Voices (and Erotomania). I liked the '04 live version where they gave it some life, but this isn't a song I ever spend any time with. It's nice enough for what it is. I certainly don't dislike it. That Rhode Island radio telethon from the other thread was literally the first time I heard this.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 01, 2022, 01:37:07 PM
I have some catching up to do:

THE TA 5 - My ranking:

Ravenskill - 137
The Path That Divides - 62
Three Days - 90
Moment of Betrayal - 60
The Gift of Music - 81

Everytime I revisited Ravenskill during the ranking, it seemed all story and nothing musically coherent to make it a standalone piece.   But I'm listening to it again right now, and it's actually quite emotionally powerful.   Probably a grower that I haven't grown in to yet. 

I love The Path That Divides.  Fantastic storytelling and conveying of conflict in that song.  I feel it stands on its own a bit more than some of the other songs.

I'm surprised at my rankings of Three Days being that low and The Gift of Music being that high.  If I did it over again, I would probably switch the rankings on those two.   Three Days is just a fantastic performance by JLB, and while The Gift of Music is a decent enough intro to the story, it is a bit bland to me.

Moment of Betrayal places highest for me of this bunch, and that's fair.  I always felt Disc 2 had a much stronger introduction than Disc 1. 

THE NEXT 3 PACK - My ranking:

Constant Motion - 146
Honor Thy Father - 58
The Silent Man - 132

Only 10 songs total placed lower than Constant Motion.  I will admit that is fun live when you're there.  But the music is just so so and the lyrics (like so much of SC) are just so crushingly terrible that they become hard to ignore. 

Honor Thy Father is just fantastic.  It's always been a favorite of mine from TOT, and I don't get the dislike for it at all.   Truly an underrated gem.

The Silent Man is very nice as a coda for A Mind Beside Itself.  The live version from LSFNY is wonderful.  But the studio version is just kind of "there" and works better as part of the larger piece than it does on its own. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 01, 2022, 02:04:14 PM
82 Constant Motion #89
81 Honor Thy Father #65
80 the Silent Man #45

If it wasn’t for the cursing in the filmpart, this piece (Honor Thy Father) would probably be in my top 10 forever. I love the metal vibe along the track, especially with Portnoy’s background, being hated by his stepfather. Just too bad the actor ruined the track for me. As a christian this track is hard on my identity. Therefore it’s not as high as it would be otherwise.

First time I listen to the Silent Man, I was immediate under pressure of it’s simpleness, because there is so much beauty in it. When I found out it was a part of a Mind Beside Itself, this would even raise the track for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 01, 2022, 02:09:33 PM
I’m catching up, too!

90 New Millennium – 85
89 Vacant – didn’t make my top 100
88 A Life Left Behind – 94
87 Ravenskill – didn’t make my top 100
86 The Path That Divides – didn’t make my top 100
85 Three Days ¬– didn’t make my top 100
84 Moment of Betrayal – 92
83 The Gift of Music – 97
82 Constant Motion – 84
81 Honor Thy Father – 21
80 The Silent Man – didn’t make my top 100

Looks like I’m in agreement with NM, ALLB, MoB and especially CM.

As is obvious – especially in comparison to the rest of their catalog – I’m not a fan of TA. I rated Heaven’s Cove the highest at 77 (IMO, a great, underrated track, even by the band since they dropped it towards the end of the TA tour), so it’s not surprising that 3 in that batch of 5 TA tracks didn’t make the cut for me. I’d also wager that A New Beginning is the final TA track to make the cut.

Not a huge fan of CM, but it’s a decent track. The instrumental section really saves it.

Happy to see HTF make the list despite how much that track really seems to be despised. While I’ve never (fortunately) been in the situation that MP was in that moved him to write those lyrics, I can sympathize with him and others who have. But in particular for me, the music has really grown on me exponentially over the years so that I would say it’s my favorite on ToT these days.

TSM is a good track, but I’m not a huge acoustic/camp fire music fan, which is why it didn’t make my top 100. As Ben said, it especially works well as part of AMBI – moreso than as a stand alone piece.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on January 01, 2022, 03:28:18 PM
Wow I didn’t realize there was any hate towards Constant Motion  :omg: imo, there are only a few DT songs that honestly have a great set of lyrics, so as long as they’re not super cringey (like most of The Astonishing), they don’t detract from my enjoyment of the song. CM is fun as all hell and has one of the best instrumental sections of a DT song. The freestyle drum playing behind JP’s solo is fucking excellent.

I knew Honor Thy Father gets some hate so I’m not surprised to see it so low, but glad at least one other person had it as high as I did lol. It came in at 24 for me. This was actually the first song I listened to from DT (besides Dance of Eternity, but I was not ready to comprehend prog metal yet so that was noooot the right one to start with  :laugh: ), so it has some sentimental value there, but the opening riff is such a punch to the face, and the whole thing is balls to the wall heavy and awesome.

Silent Man ranked at 37 and is the highest in the AMBI suite on my list. This is one of the DT songs with excellent lyrics, it’s such a fun song to sing, and the guitar playing is excellent.

I hope to see all 3 of these songs live someday, but unfortunately feel like Honor Thy Father has the least chance of seeing the stage again  :(
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 01, 2022, 03:52:38 PM
I'm too lazy to do writeups for the five tracks from The Astonishing, though I feel like I'd usually be repeating what I said about previous TA tracks anyway. Here are the rankings, of course:

Ravenskill: #77
The Path That Divides: #40
Three Days: #68
Moment of Betrayal: #60
The Gift of Music: #61


Constant Motion
My ranking: #64. This is a fun and very energetic song. The verses are great and they can fill me with energy. The guitar and keyboard solos are really cool, too. I really enjoy the intense, fast-paced nature of this song. I don't understand the flak this song gets at all (well, I guess the "Random thoughts of neat disorder" line is kind of jarring, but that's it).
On a side note, I've heard people compare this song to Metallica, but after listening to their whole discography not too long ago, I don't really hear the resemblance...


Honor Thy Father
My ranking: Not ranked (#142). My least favorite Dream Theater song, and by a rather wide margin. This is the only DT song I'd rate lower than a 7/10. To be more precise, I'd give it a 5.5/10. So, what makes this my least favorite Dream Theater song out of all the ones I've ever heard? Well, there's one main reason: It's too unpleasant and dreadful. And I mean that in reference to how the lyrics set the mood, not so much the music. I don't mind the subject matter, but how it's handled is what makes it a problem for me. The song goes from a sort of righteous anger at first, to just being bitter and irritable. And that bitterness is what makes it so unpleasant for me. If the lyrics had stayed in the tone that's conveyed in the first verse, this would have worked a lot better. It passes the point of no return for me after the "cross the crooked step" part. The film samples are uncomfortable to listen to, and I don't think making the lyrics vulgar in the last chorus was a good idea. Maybe that's just because I don't like swearing/vulgar language much, but I've listened to quite a few songs where I'm not bothered by swearing. Like I said, the song's mood becomes too angry and bitter. I will say that if the lyrics were improved, this likely wouldn't be my least favorite Dream Theater song. There's occasionally some interesting moments here and there musically. But I don't think it'd go that much higher. I think Never Enough is Honor Thy Father done right, in the sense that the lyrics convey an angry mood, but it's never too angry or bitter.

The Silent Man
My ranking: #23. I will say that this song being as high as #23 is influenced by it being related to Voices. That said, if I were to rank this song completely on its own, it would probably only be a few spots lower. This song is beautiful. It has this lonely but comforting feeling to it. Everything about this song works perfectly; the vocals, the acoustic guitar, and the lyrics. The lyrics are already incredible on their own, but in the context of A Mind Beside Itself, they become even deeper. I feel like this song deserves much more writing from me, but all I can say is that it's pretty much perfect.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 01, 2022, 05:20:52 PM
I ranked Honor Thy Father 80th. Would be better without lyrics.

The Silent Man is great, and I might have rated it too low at 22. But it does have confounding lyrics, so maybe it’s just right. But I love James’ performance and the solo is really nice. Just a really nice little song. DT away from the metal is always refreshing.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Dream Team on January 01, 2022, 06:01:46 PM
Revenge319: totally agreed on HTF. Bottom 5 song for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 01, 2022, 06:52:37 PM
Honor Thy Father has some small flaws that I could overlook easier if some of the vocal sections weren't horrible. This and This Dying Soul, why the heck did they make James sing like that?

Constant Motion is awful. That was the first single from SC right? I heard that, and was highly disappointed, I thought my love for this band left the harbor.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 01, 2022, 07:12:37 PM
Honor Thy Father has some small flaws that I could overlook easier if some of the vocal sections weren't horrible. This and This Dying Soul, why the heck did they make James sing like that?

Constant Motion is awful. That was the first single from SC right? I heard that, and was highly disappointed, I thought my love for this band left the harbor.

I remember seeing a “making of” behind the scenes video while they were making that album. That was all Mike Portnoy. he literally said something to the effect of “I need you to sing this part like Dave Mustaine”

This is just one more brick in the wall between Mike and James. Remember that during the making of falling into infinity, he wanted James to sing the chorus of lines in the sand “like Doug Pinnick”… after several takes, they couldn’t get anything that Mike was happy with, so Mike just went and got Doug Pinnick to do it.

I love Mike dearly. But if I was a singer in a band and I constantly had somebody else in the band trying to get me to sound like somebody else, I would get pretty irritated pretty quickly.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 01, 2022, 07:22:04 PM
Well said, jammindude.

The verses of Constant Motion sound like JLB was told to sing like Mustaine and/or Hetfield and it comes off really poorly.  Not to mention that "forevermore into the night blistering" is still the most embarrassing DT moment ever.  And it's too bad because the main riff is really good, and Petrucci's solo is killer (as is Portnoy's drumming underneath it), but they went to waste in a song torpedoed by the worst vocal melodies in any DT song ever.   
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 01, 2022, 07:31:34 PM
I on the other hand don't have a problem with them asking James to approach certain lyrics or songs more in the style of this singer or that. After all, the rest of the band does that all the time with their respective instruments (even after MP left). Why should the vocals be any different, especially since they don't usually put a lot of filters or effects on his vocals like they do with the other instruments?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 01, 2022, 07:34:57 PM
I on the other hand don't have a problem with them asking James to approach certain lyrics or songs more in the style of this singer or that. After all, the rest of the band does that all the time with their respective instruments (even after MP left). Why should the vocals be any different, especially since they don't usually put a lot of filters or effects on his vocals like they do with the other instruments?

Yeah, I agree. Sometimes it could be the finished product that they settled on that could be the problem. That said, I'm sure they did multiple stylings for these parts, much like A Nightmare To Remember where they ended up using MP's rougher vocal.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 01, 2022, 07:43:44 PM
Here are three more for today!

79 Ytse Jam
Appeared on 21 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 24 (DragonAttack)


I remember seeing/hearing this for the first on the Live in Tokyo VHS and thinking, "Wow, it sounds like YYZ on steroids!!"  That is meant as a compliment.  Killer instrumental.  I guess it is indicative of how many DT songs I love when this finished at only 68 on my list.


78 The Dark Eternal Night
Appeared on 17 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 15 (devieira73)


This was in the 80s for me when I made my initial list by hand, but when I used the rankings engine and redid them, it did not make the cut.  Like much of Systematic Chaos, this has that bad 80's horror film feel, which is charming if I am in the right mood.


77 The Best of Times
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 3 (Revenge319)


This could have been a top 20-30 song for me had the execution been better, to be honest.  The music is awesome and the guitar solo at the end is just magic, but James sounds rather uninspired at times when singing this song, and while the main lyrical sentiment is obviously very heartfelt, the lyrics themselves I think are a bit lacking (I will leave it at that out of respect, given the subject matter).  This one also didn't make the cut for me after I did the rankings engine.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 01, 2022, 08:46:33 PM
I on the other hand don't have a problem with them asking James to approach certain lyrics or songs more in the style of this singer or that. After all, the rest of the band does that all the time with their respective instruments (even after MP left). Why should the vocals be any different, especially since they don't usually put a lot of filters or effects on his vocals like they do with the other instruments?

I am not a musician and no nothing about the process. But it just doesn't feel comparable. And I think there is a difference between "singing in the style of..." and "singing like..." I do not know where that line is but I feel it was crossed a couple times, and always with negative results.

TDEN is awful, always has been, always will be.

I like TBoT, the lyrics never bother me and I wish I didn't read all the discussions that surrounded them on various forums. I never cared that it was "too specific" to Mike's personal experiences and not something I could relate to. It's a song. Do the music, lyrics, and vocal melodies work well together? In this case, yes they do. It's not a great song, and the 70s seems where it should be.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 01, 2022, 08:49:52 PM
Not to mention that "forevermore into the night blistering" is still the most embarrassing DT moment ever. 

I really have no idea what is or is supposed to be somehow embarrassing about that part.  The lyrics are great.  The delivery is great.  :dunno:  I'm at a loss to understand what you mean.

In any case, I am generally with Scotty on this:

I on the other hand don't have a problem with them asking James to approach certain lyrics or songs more in the style of this singer or that. After all, the rest of the band does that all the time with their respective instruments (even after MP left). Why should the vocals be any different, especially since they don't usually put a lot of filters or effects on his vocals like they do with the other instruments?

Yeah, same here.  And I think it is valid from at least two perspectives.  First off, as a songwriter, I think it is entirely appropriate for JP, MP, or whoever to say something like, "here's what we had in mind for that part.  Let's try it like this."  Second, that's what producers do all the time with vocals and all the instruments.  "OK, I hear what you did.  Now let's change it up and try it like this instead."  Or "I'm not feeling it; here's the emotion I want to hear."  Or something like that.

And let's not forget that there are PLENTY of songs and plenty of passages within songs where James was free to do whatever he felt, or where he was the one who wanted to try to change something up, and they went with it.  There's always that give and take within a band, and we are only exposed to snippets in those studio videos and in interviews.  We don't get to be a fly on the wall for the entire process, and the bits we do get are likely to lead to wrong impressions about how things really work if we take them too far.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 01, 2022, 09:25:12 PM
Just giving a +1 to Kev’s take on the “forevermore into the night blistering part” as being the first time in DT history up to that point that I actively cringed in embarrassment for them.

My ranking on this batch:

Ytse Jam - 45
The Dark Eternal Night - 56
The Best of Times - 115

Ytse Jam definitely influenced by my love of the LIT version with the drum solo…which is my second favorite drum solo of all time behind Neil Peart’s on YYZ from ESL. But the original is excellent as well. But I have excellent memories of hooking up RCA cables between my VHS and cassette player to get a high quality (for its time) copy of the audio…which I subsequently wore out.

The Dark Eternal Night was the only saving grace of SC until I rediscovered TMOLS. This is one where I’m confused about why people think the lyrics are bad when they seem worlds better than CM to me. JLBs delivery is definitely more menacing. For most of SC I feel like I’m listening to a Spinal Tap album, but not for TDEN.

I also echo Kev’s thoughts on The Best of Times. The sentiment is beautiful and heartfelt, but I didn’t feel the execution matched the vision. I’ll say nothing else out of respect.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 01, 2022, 09:45:25 PM
Just giving a +1 to Kev’s take on the “forevermore into the night blistering part” as being the first time in DT history up to that point that I actively cringed in embarrassment for them.

Okay, but:  WHY?  What is it about that part that is supposedly worthy of cringing in embarrassment.  To me, that is the most illogical reaction one could have to a piece of work from an artist who feels they have put out a quality piece of work that they are proud of (unless there is something intrinsically embarrassing about it, such as an obvious error the band regrets, or the content being wildly inappropriate, or something along those lines), which is the case here.  So I legitimately don't get it and was (and am still) asking for an explanation.   
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 01, 2022, 09:46:01 PM
Ytse Jam
My ranking: #55. One of Dream Theater's greater instrumental tracks. This has nearly everything that makes Dream Theater so great. All it's missing is James LaBrie, but he wasn't on this album anyway, so I suppose that's okay. This whole track is great, but the highlight for me is at approximately 2:20 when the music gets faster and even more exciting. That whole section until ~3:52 is just awesome.


The Dark Eternal Night
My ranking: #33. Aside from Portnoy's vocals, I cannot fathom how some people say this is one of the worst Dream Theater songs. I love this song. It's super-close to being a 10/10, and the only thing keeping it from that status is that it's outclassed by 24 specific 10/10 songs, plus around 10 songs in its own tier. Awesome intro, then the verse comes in and the song really gets going. The chorus is really good, and then there's the big instrumental section which is insanely good. And the instrumental outro is so, so good. I wish I could explain more accurately what makes this song so enjoyable for me (I feel like by the end of this countdown, I'm gonna have a lot of similar writeups), but sometimes it's hard to get into the mindset of doing much better write-ups. That, and I'd probably be here for hours trying to dissect every element of songs of a high caliber such as this one.


The Best of Times
My ranking: #3. Well, as nice as it would've been to see this closer to #3 on the overall countdown, I sure am glad The Best of Times made it onto this list. This song is in a tier where it's beyond being one of the greatest Dream Theater songs. This is simply one of the greatest songs I've ever listened to. It's so immensely emotional. The lyrics are great, and James' delivery of them is great as well. I love the different moods this song goes through. And, of course, the guitar solo at the end is sheer perfection. That's a strong contender for the best part of any Dream Theater song ever.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 01, 2022, 09:58:46 PM
Just giving a +1 to Kev’s take on the “forevermore into the night blistering part” as being the first time in DT history up to that point that I actively cringed in embarrassment for them.

Okay, but:  WHY?  What is it about that part that is supposedly worthy of cringing in embarrassment.  To me, that is the most illogical reaction one could have to a piece of work from an artist who feels they have put out a quality piece of work that they are proud of (unless there is something intrinsically embarrassing about it, such as an obvious error the band regrets, or the content being wildly inappropriate, or something along those lines), which is the case here.  So I legitimately don't get it and was (and am still) asking for an explanation.   

Put simply (and I think others share this) it sounds exceptionally juvenile. Literally like something I would have scrawled on my Pee-Chee when I was twelve while thinking how “bad ass” it sounded.

Trust me…I wrote some real doozies in middle school that I look at now and go “eeesh…really? I wrote that?” And it instantly reminded me of that. In fact, I want to say that I did write something extremely similar when I was 12 and then found it when I was 20 and couldn’t figure out whether to laugh or vomit,
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 01, 2022, 10:03:14 PM
I have Ytse Jam at 57. It’s fine for what it is, and I enjoy it well enough, but it’s not something I seek out often. I like it better on OiALT than on WDADU.

The Best of Times comes in at 77 for me. I like the Rush like, up tempo part but the intro and back half of the song really drag.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 01, 2022, 10:03:17 PM
Just have to stop and say that Revenge reminded me of that AMAZING guitar solo in TBOT. Truly the highlight of the song and probably an all time top 10 solo from JP.

Good call.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 01, 2022, 10:03:40 PM
82 Constant Motion –76. I like it. I have it for my sons ringtone as it reminds me of him. Love the instrumental!

81 Honor Thy Father –  I just dont like this song. I never listen to it.

80 The Silent Man - 64. It a lovely song. I love watching and listening to it on Live from Luna Park.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 01, 2022, 11:57:09 PM
If I opened up my musical dictionary, that "Forevermore..." line would be the first definition listed under "Cringe Worthy." Yet I love "Dark Master Within..." which I know many people here have under their definition of "Cringe Worthy."

I wonder what the biggest discrepancy is between where a song landed on the compiled l list and where it slotted on an individual's list. For instance, is there a song in the overall Top 10 that someone left off their Top 100?

Tip of the cap to jammindude for the Pee-Chee reference.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 02, 2022, 12:03:08 AM
If I opened up my musical dictionary, that "Forevermore..." line would be the first definition listed under "Cringe Worthy." Yet I love "Dark Master Within..." which I know many people here have under their definition of "Cringe Worthy."

I wonder what the biggest discrepancy is between where a song landed on the compiled l list and where it slotted on an individual's list. For instance, is there a song in the overall Top 10 that someone left off their Top 100?

Tip of the cap to jammindude for the Pee-Chee reference.

 :rollin :rollin :rollin

Millennials will never understand.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 02, 2022, 12:19:11 AM
I make no apologies putting HTF in my top 20.  Its incredible.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 02, 2022, 06:29:15 AM
Just giving a +1 to Kev’s take on the “forevermore into the night blistering part” as being the first time in DT history up to that point that I actively cringed in embarrassment for them.

Okay, but:  WHY?  What is it about that part that is supposedly worthy of cringing in embarrassment.  To me, that is the most illogical reaction one could have to a piece of work from an artist who feels they have put out a quality piece of work that they are proud of (unless there is something intrinsically embarrassing about it, such as an obvious error the band regrets, or the content being wildly inappropriate, or something along those lines), which is the case here.  So I legitimately don't get it and was (and am still) asking for an explanation.   

Put simply (and I think others share this) it sounds exceptionally juvenile. Literally like something I would have scrawled on my Pee-Chee when I was twelve while thinking how “bad ass” it sounded.

Trust me…I wrote some real doozies in middle school that I look at now and go “eeesh…really? I wrote that?” And it instantly reminded me of that. In fact, I want to say that I did write something extremely similar when I was 12 and then found it when I was 20 and couldn’t figure out whether to laugh or vomit,

Well said.  It sounds like a line you'd love when you were 12 and thought Friday the 13th was bad ass because you and your friends watched it without your parents knowing after they fell asleep, but then you reach adulthood and it's like, "Oh, right."  :lol :lol



I wonder what the biggest discrepancy is between where a song landed on the compiled l list and where it slotted on an individual's list. For instance, is there a song in the overall Top 10 that someone left off their Top 100?


I believe there are three songs in the top 10 that didn't make all 26 lists. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 02, 2022, 08:12:04 AM
79 Ytse Jam (#53)
I also heard it for the first time on the Live in Tokyo VHS and loved it immediately. Love that arabian melody through the song.

78 The Dark Eternal Night (#15)
Despite the cartunesque theme, I think the combination of one of JP's weiderst riffs, that solo section and that amazing outro really make the song climbs very high on my ranking.

77 The Best of Times (-)
I like the song and that MP had shared with all of us such personal lyrics, clearly written for his father, not for a wider audience. But, although that intro sets the tone, I would prefer much more the song beginning with that "Rush intro". That final solo is incredibly amazing!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 02, 2022, 08:19:30 AM
90. New Millennium (NR)  The ‘now baby’ lyric kind of ruined it for me.  I also didn’t own this LP until ’09.  It’s not included on my FII version.

89. Vacant (NR)  A needed change of pace on the LP, good prelude to SoC.

88.  A Life Left Behind (#53)  One of the best from TA.  Great intro, uplifting song and lyrics.  Wish it would have faded out around 4:37  as its ‘own’ song

87. Ravenskill (#85)

86. The Path That Divides (NR) but I should have.  My fault on that.

85. Three Days (#72) one of TA’s highlights, with a Bourbon Street type ending to boot.

84. Moment of Betrayal (NR), another oversight on my part, but I rarely listen to Disc 2.

83. The Gift of Music (#38)  One spot below TAC, so I’ll consider this a good placement 😉

82. Constant Motion (#31) I feel like I’m spinning out of control when listening to this, so the music and lyrics fit.  Perhaps crazy to some (most? ;)), on my third 'best of' I placed it between 'This Is The Life' and 'Breaking All Illusions'. 

81. Honor Thy Father (NR) I purchased ToT at the same time as SC.  If these two LPs had been my first purchases, I don’t think I’d have gone any further into their catalogue.  Just not my cup of tea.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 02, 2022, 08:30:26 AM
Four more!

76 A Fortune in Lies
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 12 (ZirconBlue)


I had this at 73, which again feels too low, but they just have too many good songs.  On the list of "best track 1s from a debut," this one rates as above average, IMO.


75 Only a Matter of Time
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (Dream Team)


Always loved this one. Great lyrics, and Kevin Moore knocks it out of the park with his atmospheric tones on the original.


74 This Is the Life
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 14 (DragonAttack)


This one would have likely rated much higher with me years ago, but I think my aggravation with the muddy mix of A Dramatic Turn of Events has taken a bit of the starch out of this one for me. I still like it a lot and had it at 77, but it feels like it should have been a lot higher.


73 On the Backs of Angels
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 29 (geeeemo)


Solid tune, but one I never thought was anything more than that. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 02, 2022, 09:03:38 AM
76 A Fortune in Lies (#44)
Amazing song, very impressed when I first heard it on Live at Marquee and still one of my favorites DT openers!

75 Only a Matter of Time (-)
Good song, but not between my favorites from the debut.

74 This Is The Life (#98)
Well written slower song. As for ADTOE songs I rather hear the live versions on blu-ray, where they sound really good.

73 On The Backs of Angels (-)
Strangely I liked it much more at the time of its release. I still love the piano/solo section though.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 02, 2022, 09:42:40 AM
My ranking:

A Fortune in Lies - 73
Only a Matter of Time - 104
This is the Life - 96
On the Backs of Angels - 107

Fortune is a great opener. Just wish the original was a bit clearer. All redo’s with JLB are better.

Never got the love for OAMOT. My least favorite from the debut.

This is the Life is a decent enough ballad.

I’m with Devieira on OTBOA. I liked it a lot more when it was first released, but it didn’t age very well. Pretty “DT by the numbers” track.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 02, 2022, 11:15:06 AM
I generally try to avoid listening to singles or any pre-release bits, snippets and whatnot. But after MP left, I just had to listen to the OtBoA when it was released; I had to know everything was going to be ok. And a couple minutes in to it, I knew it would be. Still a middle of the pack song, but the right song in the right place at the right time.

I didn't put any WDaDU songs very high, I think I only have 1 or 2 on my list. Again basing every song of it's original release.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 02, 2022, 11:26:41 AM
I generally try to avoid listening to singles or any pre-release bits, snippets and whatnot. But after MP left, I just had to listen to the OtBoA when it was released; I had to know everything was going to be ok. And a couple minutes in to it, I knew it would be. Still a middle of the pack song, but the right song in the right place at the right time.

 

That's a great way to put it.  Even though neither that song or Build Me Up, Break Me Down are favorites are mine, they were solid little samples before getting to the really good stuff on A Dramatic Turn of Events (see: everything else). Even though I struggle with the album nowadays because of the mix, the songwriting was mostly excellent on that record.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 02, 2022, 11:33:45 AM
Looking at my list in more detail, I see that ADToE is one of two albums where I have every song included. I might have thought it would be like that when I started the process.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 02, 2022, 02:24:04 PM
79 Ytse Jam
I had this at #39

This is still my favorite DT instrumental. Loved that they played it on the ADTOE tour. Just a classic!

78 The Dark Eternal Night
I had this at #36

I really don't mind the lyrics or James' performance. Musically, this kicks so much ass, especially the mid section.

77 The Best of Times
I had this at #13

This song is great. I have no idea what people have against it. The Intro is outstanding, and I think it's just as effective as the Outro. To me, the lyrics are absolutely perfect. And when people talk about bout a lack of execution, WTF do you want? As far as the Rush part, I barely even detect it. I think it's one of DT's finest tunes.

76 A Fortune in Lies
I had this at #20

I saw this a number of times on their first tour. Plus, I played the shit out of the Marquee version. This song rules. I barely listen to the original with Charlie, but that is still good.

75 Only a Matter of Time
I had this at #25

This was another standout in those early shows. Love the keyboard lines in this. This song is grossly underplayed by DT over the years. I'm glad we have the Budokan version at least.

74 This Is the Life
I had this at #49

I consider this one of DT's finest written songs. It is perfectly crafted. And I like it!

73 On the Backs of Angels
I did not rate this in the Top 100.

This was our introduction to the Mangini Era, and it was a good one. But it is overshadowed by so many great songs on its own album.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 02, 2022, 02:41:47 PM
A Fortune in Lies - 71, Only a Matter of Time 33.

I’m really surprised how low OAMOT finished, and that AFIL finished ahead of it. I always thought OAMOT was pretty easily the most memorable track on WDADU (though I think I have all of the songs on my list).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 02, 2022, 03:33:28 PM
A Fortune in Lies - not rated

Only a Matter of Time - not rated

I have not been able to get into WDaDU. I did listen to the Reunite version just the other day. I like the music. Not the vocal melodies. They really take away from the songs for me. I totally prefer FiF. 7 songs from that made my top 100.

This is the Life - 23 I love this song. I dont always want to listen to ballads, but this a top one for me.

On the Backs of Angels - One of the first 4 songs I heard when getting into Dream Theater. SS, TRoaE, and Home were the other 3. It has all the elements. The clasic piano, great intro, interesting subject. My heart warms every time I hear it start.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 02, 2022, 03:38:46 PM
So was TBOT the first song we’ve had so far that made someone’s top 10?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 02, 2022, 03:42:01 PM
So was TBOT the first song we’ve had so far that made someone’s top 10?

Never Enough was the first song on the list to make someone's Top 10.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 02, 2022, 03:44:00 PM
Pay attention J-Dude! ;D
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 02, 2022, 05:02:05 PM
I’m trying! But Antonio Brown just showed up on my front lawn. It’s distracting and I don’t know what to do.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 02, 2022, 05:02:37 PM
I’m trying! But Antonio Brown just showed up on my front lawn. It’s distracting and I don’t know what to do.

He might need a shirt.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 02, 2022, 05:10:13 PM
I have his #27 Central Michigan replica jersey if he needs one ;)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on January 02, 2022, 07:07:05 PM
I’m trying! But Antonio Brown just showed up on my front lawn. It’s distracting and I don’t know what to do.

He might need a shirt.
:rollin
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 02, 2022, 09:50:53 PM
A Fortune in Lies
My ranking: Not ranked (#105). A really cool debut song for Dream Theater. I love the intro, with its grand opening and fast playing. This is one of Dominici's better vocal performances, too. Dream Theater would go on to make many better songs and better albums, but I think WDADU is a strong debut, especially with songs such as this.


Only a Matter of Time
My ranking: Not ranked (#129). I've never gotten the hype for this song as being one of the best songs on WDADU. It's good, but there's not much I find remarkable about it. There is one thing I really like, though, and that's the instrumental part starting around 5:40, where it gradually builds up and gets more grandiose. It's a really good finale.


(I'll get around to doing the writeups for This is the Life and On the Backs of Angels later.)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: 425 on January 02, 2022, 10:20:11 PM
I've missed a few days and fallen well behind, I see! Catching most of the way up in this very long post, and I'll try to get the rest tomorrow.

Going all the way back to...


96. Afterlife
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #111)

I don't have anything against this song, it just doesn't stand out as much to me as most other Dream Theater songs. I think it's a solid track that shows a lot of the promise that can be heard all over the debut, but it's not quite there yet. I do think it's one of Dominici's best performances with DT.

Interesting to learn that this is one of five WDADU songs. Since I also included five WDADU songs, that means one of my choices didn't make the list. I have my suspicions, but we'll see how they pan out.


95. Forsaken
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #107)

Another song that falls into the category of good songs that just don't stand out enough to quite make the top 100. This one has a charismatic performance by JLB and a good chorus, but just not enough to merit inclusion on my list.


94. Through Her Eyes
My ranking: #95

Listening back to this one, I feel like I might have underrated it a bit, although I generally found it very difficult to order the list from about #70 to #100. This is the weakest genuine song on SFAM by a pretty significant margin, but that doesn't make it a bad song at all; it's just that the album is superb. This is a pretty simple song, but it's a good one. JLB is really good here, and JP's lyrics are well-suited to this moment in the story.  If I was doing this list again, I'd probably push it up into the 80s.


93. I Walk Beside You
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #105)

Another song that I enjoy, but that doesn't stand out quite enough to make the list. I like the verses better than the chorus. And I do like that there's a positive emotion behind this song. That's something I like about several songs on Octavarium, actually; I just don't think the songwriting is always at the highest level.

I do agree with this, though:

The ‘ohhhhhh, when everything is wrong, ohhhhhh when helplessness surrounds you, ohhh…..” segment is one of their best LV/BV combined moments.


92. The Looking Glass
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #114)

Yeah, another one for the good-but-doesn't-stand-out camp. I know this is a standout on DT12 for some people, but I never really got that. I do like that it's a pretty straightforward song structurally, but with a DT twist within the particular sections, and I will say that that solo is nice.


91. To Live Forever
My ranking: #90

Hey, another one where my ranking almost exactly matched the consensus—although I imagine the voting is somewhat shifted due to the fact that some people may not be familiar with it. I definitely haven't listened to it as much as I've listened to most DT songs, since it's not on a studio album, and also isn't on any of the widely-distributed professional live releases.

I love the IAW sound, so it's cool to have a little something else from that era, even if I don't really find it as good as what made the album. That's enough to put it a bit above the good-but-doesn't-stand-out tier. My favorite part is the beginning of the second verse: "The starvation has turned me outside in." I love Charlie coming in on that part on WDADRU, although James probably sings it better on the whole.


90. New Millennium
My ranking: #48

I know some people can't stand this, so I'm not surprised to see it this low, but I absolutely love it. It's got a different vibe with the Chapman stick and that oddball intro, but it also has that sense of drama that I love about 90s Dream Theater.  To me it has everything you could ask for in a Dream Theater song except soaring vocal melodies, but James turns in a pretty good vocal performance, especially considering his limitations at that time. The instrumental section is really fun.


89. Vacant
My ranking: #15 (highest placement for this song)

I completely understand ranking some of the longer, more complex songs higher than this one, but this is just a beautiful, emotionally gripping piece. Everything is in just the right place. And what's more, it doesn't feel out of place at all on Train of Thought, and in fact enhances Stream of Consciousness by preceding it.

I have a little trouble listening to this now for personal reasons (actually a sort of true for New Millennium, too), but it remains among my favorite songs, and it's still a marvel to listen to on the occasions when I do.

This is one of the five I expected I might have the highest ranking on. We'll see how the other four pan out (actually, looks like one recently dropped and someone else put it even higher than me). Sad to see this fall so early; I expected an early exit, but hoped for it to land somewhere in the 70s.


88. A Life Left Behind
My ranking: #42

I think #42 might have been a little overzealous for this one (I did the ranking while I was having a bit of a renaissance with The Astonishing), but I don't think it's far off. This is the best song on the album. It blends familiar elements of Dream Theater songwriting with the more organic sound and storytelling orientation of The Astonishing to create the best song on that album.

Faythe is my favorite Astonishing character, so I like the focus on her change of mind in the first part of this song. "Tomorrow a new sun will rise, and somehow I'll find you" is a nice moment. And the sinister turn at the end is well-executed.


87. Ravenskill
My ranking: #65

Interesting to see two songs that are back-to-back on The Astonishing end up back-to-back on the list. I think A Life Left Behind is somewhat better than this one, but they're both good. Listening to them now, I actually think they're even closer than their placement on my list suggests. I like Ravenskill as a piece of storytelling. I do agree that it doesn't feel entirely cohesive as a song, but I don't mind that much. To me, the second half (after the guitar kicks in) is better than the first. Again, it's more Faythe storyline, which is good.


86. The Path That Divides
My ranking: #69

Another one of my favorite songs from The Astonishing, and again it's because the storytelling is integrated really well with the music. I also like the dash of symphonic metal around 2 minutes in with the choir. Lyrically, I really like the touch of having Arhys say "There will be no betrayal tonight" and then Daryus say "You chose the wrong man to betray." Clever way to show the different mindsets of the two characters.


85. Three Days
My ranking: #84

I don't think I rate this quite as highly relative to the rest of the album as most others do, but I still find it to be one of the better songs there. I really like the intro and outro, and the verses are pretty cool, but I don't love the "Bow down to Nafaryus" chorus. It's cool to hear one of those quirky 20s-sounding Dream Theater sections turned into a song and tied into the storyline, though!


84. Moment of Betrayal
My ranking: #55

My other contender for best song on The Astonishing along with A Life Left Behind. This is just good Dream Theater, tied into a dramatic moment in the storyline. Really awesome chorus, riffs, and a fun instrumental section. I'm surprised I came this close to being the highest ranking for this, given the really high scores that other TA songs have received.


83. The Gift of Music
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #103)

This one was on my initial list as it came off the ranking engine, but I bumped up a few of the songs that I found to be too low, and this one was just ever-so-slightly pushed out. I feel now like I might have underrated it a bit, but I don't know what I'd bump for it.

I like it, though. It doesn't quite have the standout sections and story highlights that the Astonishing songs above it has, but it's solid all the way through. And I do like "My brother Gabriel is all the hope we need."


82. Constant Motion
My ranking: #93

Haters can hate, this is a fun song. A few years ago I would have had it 20 or 30 places higher, but high 80s/low 90s feels about right for it now. But I'm a longstanding defender of MP's vocals. Count me as a fan of the chorus, count me as a fan of "Insane random thoughts of neat disorder," all of it. I think part of the hate for the lyrics might come from MP's dubious claims around this time about OCD, which I definitely understanding objecting to, but there is a real psychological phenomenon that he's describing here, even if it isn't OCD, and he does at least a decent job of it.


81. Honor Thy Father
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #113)

This is the only song from Train of Thought that didn't make it for me, and it's another one in the camp of good-but-doesn't-stand-out-enough. I enjoy this song whenever I do listen to it, but even though I've heard it dozens of times at least, I still have a hard time calling parts of it to my mind. I wouldn't pull it off the album by any means; it really fits in. But it doesn't quite belong on my top 100.


80. The Silent Man
My ranking: #38

Completely with those who love this song. It's not one I would have put this high a few years ago, but it's grown on me a fair amount over the years, while other songs have faded some. Just a really beautiful acoustic song, with great vocals by James, interesting lyrics, and that nice little acoustic solo by JP.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 03, 2022, 01:38:54 AM
I'm way behind on this...(Just an FYI, my Astonishing remarks will be quite long as this album is my second favorite by the band)

87 - Ravenskill: #75

Even though I rank this at 75, It's an amazing song, I just prefer the other ones more. I love the way it starts calm and soft, representing Faythes curious, mysterious, and hidden disguise. When the full band comes in after Faythe meets Xander and the narrator says, "Hopeful and innocent, sensing no danger" the music behind that I see as Xander being that young boy who is fascinated with this strange women and is just giddy and glad to help her out. I can even hear the transition of the scene from the plaza into the Rebel Training Camp, it's right after "when she sheds her disguise". Then you have Faythe's desperate, almost angry cry of "It's not like that, I can't go back, hope fades away with each passing second", JLB sounds awesome there and that echo after "second" is like everyone in silence as her forceful plea echoes throughout the Rebel Camp. I enjoy the overall story-telling this song accomplishes. Even the water fountain noise is pleasant. I honestly think this is an amazing live song and one I would not mind hearing live as it does stand on it's own as a sort of mini-epic.

86 - The Path That Divides: #68

The crickets are great for setting the atmosphere of an overshot zooming into the night of Heavens Cove where NOMACS sit silent. As Arhys remembers Gabriels words of "the path that divides" (a big part of the concept), the music represents his realization and final decision to what "Path" to choose. The fast pace conversation between Daryus and Arhys is neat musically, and it was quite fascinating to see live. Then you start to get all the characters slowly arriving at Heaven's Cove with Xander being a sneaky child and watching his father fight Daryus. Which is sad what happens to Arhys knowing Xander is witnessing it all occur. This song has one of the best Dream Theater endings ever, the bass, drums, keys, guitar leads doubling LaBries vocals is why I love the album a lot. Just the way JLB sings, "You chose the wrong man to betray" followed by JP's guitar lead part is amazing. It was fantastic Live and I think it'd be cool to bring this out live, regardless of how much of a spoiler it is to the concept. One last thing, I don't mind the battle samples at all, they actually fit the rhythm of the music as well.

85 - Three Days: #52

This ranks almost in my Top 50. I enjoy the swing style of the song to represent Nefaryus sort of tangoing and toying with Gabriel because he noticed the connection between Gabriel and Faythe. Nefaryus with this tango let's Gabriel and the town of Ravenskill know who the leader is and uses his NOMACS, which follow along with his declaration shown with JR's keyboard tone. I like how it changes into the Imperial Guard Chorus when the townsfolk or the Rebel Militia take Gabriel to their hideout, and the townsfolk and some of the Rebel Militia listen to Nefaryus' frightening decree. The ending is cool too because I just see the townsfolk left in distraught and the following chaos that they are now left with after Gabriel played his song. I would also like to see this song live with the same video and lightshow for the ending as they did on the live shows.

84 - Moment of Betrayal: #50

The one that did make my Top 50. I enjoy the pacing of this song. Being mainly a thought dialogue between Arhys and his brother, there's lines where he is talking to himself and his brother. The music reflects the turmoil and guilt of betraying his brother, when he tells him the heroic reasons for meeting him at Heaven's Cove. This is where it all unfurls as Arhys sends Gabriel to the place where the outcomes of everyones "Path That Divides" choices occur. I think this song would be a great way to start a show, it was great after the intermission and after 2285 Entr'acte.

83 - The Gift of Music:  #58

I couldn't stop listening to this when it was first released as the first glimpse into the world of The Astonishing. The guitar intro caught my attention right away and I knew this was gonna be good. It did not disappoint either. This is where I see us being introduced to the Narrator who glides in and like a NOMAC hovers around, sort of like NAVI ( :lol ) who guides us along through the world. We see the landscape, soar pass the Great Northern Empire palace, and lastly, we zoom into the town square of Ravenskill where Arhys, surrounded by the people, declares he has a found the Shepard who is the revolution to save them all. His gift being music and how much of an impact it has, which Arhys has noticed whenever Gabriel plays music, enough to stop the songbird from singing to hear his music. It's 58 because I enjoy the other ones more, but it's better being connected with the DOTN and DO.



...I'll catch up in another post...too much to type in one post.  :biggrin:

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (SUBMISSIONS PERIOD OVER)
Post by: nobloodyname on January 03, 2022, 04:08:46 AM
I will probably start off by listing 2-4 a day, give or take, and see how that pace works as far as discussion and whatnot goes.

Away we go...

100  The X Aspect
Appeared on 15 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 18 (TAC)


Very nice song.  And how can you not like a song that features bagpipes?? :)

For that sole reason alone, this may be the worst song DT ever recorded :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 03, 2022, 06:25:28 AM
Two this morning, I will post a few more for today this evening.

72 Raise the Knife
Appeared on 18 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 18 (jammindude)


I had this at 67, so this seems about right.  Very nice song.  A bit of a bummer that we never got a finished studio version, but the demo one is good, and the live one on Score is damn good.


71 As I Am
Appeared on 21 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 30 (Laughingplace56, DragonAttack)


This one dropped a bit for me after I did the rankings engine, landing at 91.  Good song, lots of fun to crank.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on January 03, 2022, 07:55:00 AM
9 songs behind so the keep this short: I like all the songs.  :laugh:

Only A Matter of Time has always been my favorite song on WDADU. Love the music and the lyrics, and the Budokan version is excellent. Raise the Knife on Score is an amazing performance, and I think not having a proper studio release of the song makes it more unique honestly. Would love to see it make an appearance in a set someday. Love TDEN and AIA as fun metal songs, and JP’s solo in AIA still stands as one of my favorites. Looking back I think I may have ranked OTBOA a little too high at 34, but I still love the song. The only song from this batch to not make my list is This is the Life; I like it and the main melody is beautiful, but they definitely have at least 100 better songs lol.

My rankings:

Ytse Jam: 88
The Dark Eternal Night: 40
The Best of Times: 97
A Fortune in Lies: 66
Only A Matter of Time: 45
This is the Life: n/a
On the Backs of Angels: 34
Raise the Knife: 54
As I Am: 30
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 03, 2022, 08:02:32 AM
80. The Silent Man (#68)  nice finish to the trilogy.

79. Ytse Jam (#24) I purchased WDADU around ’07.  This stood out then, and still does.  A highlight of OIAL, a treat to see it performed with MM. Not sure why it wasn’t on ‘Luna Park’, glad it was on ‘Happy Holidays’. To think that a group of 20-21 year olds could write something like this is damn impressive.

78. The Dark Eternal Night (NR)  I’m surprised that the LVs of this aren’t shredded.  Not on my SC version.  A very surprising opener (to me) a couple of tours ago.

77. The Best of Times (NR)  great intro, and one of JPs top leads to finish. A shame the guitar is not on the instrumental version, which I do listen to on occasion. 

76. A Fortune in Lies (NR) no dislike for anything from this album, but not rated for the same reasons as others list for the debut album.

75. Only a Matter of Time (NR) see #76

74. This Is the Life (#14) another uplifting one for me, telling me to quit harping on past failures, and appreciate what I have now.  The guitars throughout speak to me even more!  Another of my wife’s favorites. Emotionally moving in concert.

73. On the Backs of Angels (#32)  this showed they were back (including Jordan's piano).  Hey, it got them a Grammy nomination, so we would at least know what they looked like in tuxedos!

72. Raise the Knife (#74) introduced to it via ‘Score’, and then later on.  They should have found a place for it on FII.  If allowed, I would have ‘Cleaning Out The Closet’ as one of my Top Ten DT ‘albums’.

71.  As I Am (#30 as the previous poster)  one of the few I like from ToT, and I obviously really like it.  I’ll always remember the ‘moving eye’ on the video screen in concert, as well as the many ‘youngsters’ head banging to this in front of me.  For that reason, it’s odd that it doesn’t find its way occasionally into their live set.  I like the clever word play with ‘justify you’ and ‘just deny you’

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Elite on January 03, 2022, 08:38:10 AM
Lots of catching up to do, which I will do later today or tomorrow, but in general so far there's a lot of songs (EDIT: 9, I counted) that didn't make my own list. Nice to see Raise the Knife in there, although I'm a bit sad that given Kev's earlier comment this means that Another Won, Eve or Cover My Eyes won't be in there, all songs I voted for.

Also, someone ranked The Dark Eternal Night even higher than me! That's a surprise :)

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 03, 2022, 09:25:46 AM
That's about where Score's Raise the Knife would be on my list. That was a trip seeing the setlist for that release and not recognizing 2 of the songs in the first set!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 03, 2022, 11:11:32 AM
79 Ytse Jam #25
78 the Dark Eternal Night #77
77 the Best of Times
76 a Fortune in Lies #68
75 Only a Matter of Time
74 This Is the Life
73 On the Back of Angels #96
72 Raise the Knife #-
71 As I Am #46

Although I am one of a few who loves Black Clouds & Silver Linings, the Best of Times is not listed in mine. The story is beautiful, the piece isn't bad actually, it's very nice. But there's so much te choose from, with Dream Theater.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 03, 2022, 01:36:10 PM
Raise the Knife (#46)
This song is amazing, specially all the instrumental section in the middle - Love that part at 7:40 on Score version, and it should have been on FII.
As I Am (#59)
Black Album riffs, great pre-chorus and a killer solo, even including a small drum solo! Nice...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 03, 2022, 06:10:47 PM
Get ready for a few firsts and a last!!

70 S2N
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 16 (bosk1)


Another song I underrated at first.  It didn't make my initial list, but snuck in at 97 on the redo.  Very good song, one a lot of people really love.


69 Hollow Years
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 7 (HOF)


I had this at 43, and I suspect I am in the minority of those whose higher ranking is based off of the original studio version and not the Budokan live version.  Love the laid back vibe of this song, and the melodies are glorious.   I believe this is the first song to be featured that was in two top 10s.


68 A New Beginning
Appeared on 18 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 19 (devieira73)


The last song we see in the top 100 from The Astonishing!  My number 47 song, this one screamed instant classic right away, merely off of the strength of that guitar solo, which was just incredible to see live.  I sure hope this is one they bring back live soon.


67 Beneath the Surface
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 1 (Cool Chris)


The first song to be number 1 on someone's list!!   This is another that feels like I am underrating, as it only finished at 65 on mine.  I loved them finishing A Dramatic Turn of Events with a song like this. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 03, 2022, 06:51:38 PM
So, yeah, if you asked me 5 times what my favorite DT song was, 1 out of those 5 times I'd say Beneath the Surface. When I ran the ranking engine, I knew it would be in the top 5. When it came out at #1, I was a little surprised, considered that it could be swapped out with anything in the Top 5, and decided to just leave it where it was.

I was highly impressed with ADToE when it came out, and loved how they closed the album with this. For basically their whole catalog, they put the longest, most "epic" song at the end. And here, in a potentially make-or-break situation with one of their founding members gone, they closed the album with this beautiful gem. Bonus personal points for this being released shortly after the birth of my first kid, and me playing this song to her at night while rocking her to sleep.

Never liked S2N much, didn't make my Top 100. Hollow Years was one of a couple saving graces on FII for me, but I don't care much for it now.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on January 03, 2022, 07:27:24 PM
I messed up, don't know how but BTS did not rank for me, and that was a mistake. I think it would have probably landed somewhere between 50-70, but somehow I forgot to add it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 03, 2022, 07:27:41 PM
That's a great story about your daughter and Beneath the Surface, Chris. Thanks for sharing that.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 03, 2022, 07:44:47 PM
Kev, you keep this moving! Here’s how the last 13 measure up in my list:
79 Ytse Jam – 35
78 The Dark Eternal Night – didn’t make my top 100
77 The Best of Times – 54
76 A Fortune in Lies – 71
75 Only a Matter of Time – 18
74 This is the Life – 58
73 On the Backs of Angels – 53
72 Raise the Knife – 23
71 As I Am – didn’t make my top 100
70 S2N – 70
69 Hollow Years – didn’t make my top 100
68 A New Beginning – 79
67 Beneath the Surface – didn’t make my top 100

With my fondness for WDaDU being as high as it is, it’s no surprise that I’d rate YJ much higher than many others; same for OaMoT. Both YJ and OaMoT are excellent tracks, tho there are a few others on the album that I would rate higher than either of these, two of which I know won’t make the list.

Also surprising to no one who knows me that TDEN didn’t make the cut, nor the overplayed AIA or BtS (sorry Cool Chris!) HYears also didn’t make it since I was using the album versions of each song as my barometer. Had I based it on the L@B version, then there’s no doubt it would’ve made the cut.

As I predicted, RtK was the other non-album cut to make the list (other than TLF and obviously ACoS), and ANB was the final track from TA to make it. Couldn’t agree more with Kev in the comment that the guitar solo is what moved me to rank it as high as I did. For me, it’s kinda like JP channeling Joe Satriani in that solo (which is a good thing, IMO). And really, the same could be said to a lesser degree for TBoT (that the moving guitar solo elevated the song to a much higher position than otherwise).

Both TitL and OtBoA are good, middle-of-the-pack songs from ADToE, IMO. And especially in the case of TitL, I rate it much higher than I do it’s IaW counterpart (AD). On the other hand, I favor PMU much more over OtBoA.

Finally, I’m surprised to see that my rating for S2N is exactly the same as the final tally. Great tune from one of DT’s better MM-era albums. Glad that they finally put JM’s groovy bass riff to good use after sidelining it for most of the d/t writing session! Only thing is I can't see DT ever performing it live or else JL is gonna be completely out of breath with all those rapid fire vocals!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 03, 2022, 08:01:26 PM
72 Raise the Knife
I had this at #31.

Really cool song that I wish made the FII cut. The Score version is immense.

71 As I Am
I had this at #91

I honestly have never cared for this song, but in the past year or so, I find myself really enjoying it. It has aged pretty well. Slipped in at the end of my list.

70 S2N
I had this at #63

Thick and technical. A precursor to A View.



69 Hollow Years
No rated

When I rated this, I stayed true to the FII version, which kind of blows. But the B8dokan version is so freaking amazing.


68 A New Beginning
I had this at #53

This song benefits from this great cover!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4xzn6fz07I

This really made me see how great this is. I mean, I liked it at first anyway.


67 Beneath the Surface
I had this at #58

Excellent tune. Especially when James raises his voice at the end. ADTOE was a special album and this is such a great ending.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 03, 2022, 08:26:35 PM
My ranking for this batch:

Raise the Knife - 18
As I Am - 36
S2N - 109
Hollow Years - 82
A New Beginning - 72
Beneath the Surface - 37

I'm honestly shocked that a great epic like Raise the Knife doesn't get more love than it does.  Just a brilliant track.

As I Am is honestly one of my favorite album openers of all time.  Just a perfect way to kick off that album.  You'd have a hard time picking an opening track that sets the theme of the album better than AIA

S2N - is ok, but it's a middle of the pack song from a middle of the pack album.

Hollow Years is beautiful and I'm sorry I didn't rank it any higher.  And yet, I just checked and this final ranking of 82 was higher than it made on my first two tries.  I guess it just doesn't survive the "head to head" matches that well.

A New Beginning is a fantastic way to end Act I of TA, and if I have any beef with it, it's that it sounds like it was faded out too early (possibly to accommodate time restraints of disc 1?)

Beneath the Surface might be one of their most beautiful ballads ever.  In fact, I just checked and I only have 2 ballads rated higher than this song.   Chris?   You sang this to your kid?   This is such a sad song!  This song is personal to me for a very VERY different reason.   My wife and I have been married for 23 years but this came out during a time when we were almost completely indifferent to each other's existence.   To me, this song felt like exactly where we were at that time.  (we're slowing pulling out of it...but ya, this song still reminds me of being in that place)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 03, 2022, 08:37:42 PM
Raise the Knife is great, both the demo and Score versions. I have it at 27, a few spots higher than Pull Me Under for perspective.

Hollow Years is a definite favorite from DT and always has been. When I first heard FII, I was a bit lost with it until it got to Hollow Years. That’s when it clicked that “this is a more mature effort from DT than just doing crazy shred stuff.” It’s everything I love about DT. DT, at least for the first 5-6 albums, did great ballads. Also, the Budokan version blows and is everything that the original wasn’t, but for the worse.  :P
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 03, 2022, 08:40:35 PM
Chris?   You sang this to your kid?   This is such a sad song! 

She was like 5 months old, she didn't know what the heck I was saying, and I just wanted to get her to sleep!!  :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 03, 2022, 09:56:33 PM
Chris?   You sang this to your kid?   This is such a sad song! 

She was like 5 months old, she didn't know what the heck I was saying, and I just wanted to get her to sleep!!  :)

 :rollin :rollin

This almost reminds me of that scene from three men and a baby when Tom Selleck was reading the results of the boxing match to the little kid.

 :rollin
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 03, 2022, 10:27:16 PM
I guess in retrospect, if getting her to sleep was my goal, I could have easily just played her some Genesis.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: nobloodyname on January 03, 2022, 11:41:23 PM
Really interesting thread to follow, thanks Kev.

People have mentioned a ranking engine on a few occasions but I've not been able to find a link to it from an admittedly quick look. Could someone point me in the right direction, please?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Elite on January 04, 2022, 02:35:04 AM
Really interesting thread to follow, thanks Kev.

People have mentioned a ranking engine on a few occasions but I've not been able to find a link to it from an admittedly quick look. Could someone point me in the right direction, please?

Yes, here you go:

I will join, sounds fun!

I think an easy way to do this is to copy and paste the list of songs earlier in the thread into this website (https://rankingengine.pubmeeple.com/). Just click “Music” as your category, paste the full list of songs in one shot, and it will separate them all into individual choices. Then it randomly puts 2 songs at a time for you to choose from and will automatically rank them for you based on your responses.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 04, 2022, 07:46:56 AM
70 S2N (#34)
Incredible bass lines, amazing drumming and interaction between JM/MM/JP and I love the "enhanced new version" of the TDEN outro.

69 Hollow Years (#90)
Great ballad, amazingly well produced on FII.

68 A New Beginning (#19)
My third favorite Mangini era song (until the release of View anyway), instant classic - that outro groove/solo is one the best things DT ever recorded.

67 Beneath the Surface (#100)
A very touching song, James is amazing here.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: nobloodyname on January 04, 2022, 08:19:32 AM
Really interesting thread to follow, thanks Kev.

People have mentioned a ranking engine on a few occasions but I've not been able to find a link to it from an admittedly quick look. Could someone point me in the right direction, please?

Yes, here you go:

I will join, sounds fun!

I think an easy way to do this is to copy and paste the list of songs earlier in the thread into this website (https://rankingengine.pubmeeple.com/). Just click “Music” as your category, paste the full list of songs in one shot, and it will separate them all into individual choices. Then it randomly puts 2 songs at a time for you to choose from and will automatically rank them for you based on your responses.

That's brilliant, thank you! Been wanting one of those for years.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 04, 2022, 11:41:32 AM
70 S2N #-
69 Hollow Years #35 (yep, Budokan in mind)
68 a New Beginning #-
67 Beneath the Surface #11

Cool Chris, beautiful story. Beneath the Surface is so touching and moving, my hair raises each time I spin the vinyl. It is at 11 in my list, but could be a top 10 as well. So close and mood-depending. For sure the best and most emotional ballad Dream Theater ever made.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 04, 2022, 12:25:06 PM
Continuing from where I left off at....

82 - Constant Motion: (Did Not Rank)

This is the song where I felt Dream Theater started getting some recognition out there due to this being released as a single and given a music video. I personally thought the song was alright when it was released, the only redeeming factor for me now is the guitar solo and that is because of the Dimebag high pitch squeal. It was alright live, but then I wasn't into the song much either and wanted a different song in the set. I would like to see this song played live just to hear what Mangini can do with this song.

81 - Honor Thy Father:  #88

Now because this song ranks 88 in my rankings does not mean I think it's bad or I don't enjoy it much. It's a really great energetic song and one I wish Dream Theater would've played live more often. I considered it their heaviest and grooviest song, until the release of the A View From...album. I do not have problem with the lyrics as they're not as personal as The Best of Times and can be taken as just someone who was in your life that has constantly mistreated you or neglected you. The instrumental section is awesome and reminds me of the Aztec Dancers and their rhythms of their drums.  (here's a video to give you an example....Aztec Dancers (https://youtu.be/pXaE7cFzhEQ) )  I also like the samples here because they represent that Anger and what they symbolize. For MP being a movie buff, he utilized these movie samples to show how he feels towards his step-father, and also it has a sort of 90's rap tone and style to the vocal style. I am glad this made the top 100 and at a spot that's higher than my own ranking...

80 - The Silent Man:  #93

If I were able to combine songs that are part of a suite, this song would be in my top 5. The studio version is a nice simple song, that I actually prefer over the more energetic live version on Live Scenes. The meaning of the song gets lost in the live versions. The simple and calm acoustics of it are what generate that meaning to me. That laid back atmosphere represents The Silence of the man. This is a great ending to the A Mind Beside Itself suite which is about those thoughts and questions you have when you are sitting there beside your own mind questioning and pondering things. Of which those thoughts, questions, and also feelings are described in Voices.  I love the Live at Luna Park version due to the strings as well.

79 - Ytsejam:  #91
 
"AHHHH....LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE"....I first heard bits of this song from Instrumedley. Then I borrowed my uncles dvd of Live in Tokyo and the energy they played this song during the early years was immense. Their youthful passion shows in this song and in that specific live version, including Portnoy's drum solo. I just outgrew my love for it, but still enjoy it when I do listen to it. It's sort of nostalgic for me as it brings me back to those memories of my uncle.

78 - The Dark Eternal Night:  (Did Not Rank)

I do not enjoy how the studio verse vocals sound at all. The chorus vocals are great though. It's a fantastic song live and was a interesting way to start a show. I am one that liked the outro pacing they did on the I&W&B tour, along with JR's keytar solo.

77 - The Best of Times:  #54

I enjoy the lyrics to this song, and can hear it as a nice memorial to MP's father. I hear it not only in the lyrics, but also the music by MP's Rush influence shining. It is reminiscent of Red Barchetta in how it describes this cherished past with a close relative. Because of the emotion felt in the music and how it relates to the lyrics, it works. It's really personal lyrically, but yet you can feel how much MP's dad meant to him and how much he influenced his life. The song takes you on a journey through many emotions as well, and it's a reason why I enjoy it a lot to rank it at 54. Glad it made it in onto that many people's lists, in the 70's at least, and in someone's top 10 at number 3. It really is deserving of it.




Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 04, 2022, 12:48:26 PM
I've seen a couple people reference the lyrics in The Silent Man as if they are connected to Voices or have some other deeper meaning. I was never able to make heads or tails of them and thought they were kind of similar to the Metropolis Pt. 1 lyrics where John always said they didn't mean anything. Can anyone expand on what they think TSM is about?

I guess there is the stained glass imagery, and the "a voice never heard" line which call back to Voices, as well as similar themes of questioning religion. Is it supposed to be a reason v. faith sort of thing (with Voices being about struggles with one's faith, and TSM being about reason giving clarity or something)?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 04, 2022, 01:40:25 PM
I've seen a couple people reference the lyrics in The Silent Man as if they are connected to Voices or have some other deeper meaning. I was never able to make heads or tails of them and thought they were kind of similar to the Metropolis Pt. 1 lyrics where John always said they didn't mean anything. Can anyone expand on what they think TSM is about?

I guess there is the stained glass imagery, and the "a voice never heard" line which call back to Voices, as well as similar themes of questioning religion. Is it supposed to be a reason v. faith sort of thing (with Voices being about struggles with one's faith, and TSM being about reason giving clarity or something)?

Voices is about what a person with schizophrenia experiences in their mind, and also the effect it has on others. Because of this, the person remains silent in order to avoid further confrontation. This persons delusions relate to Christianity as it's their religion and they are relating their life with these biblical personas and their own beliefs. Him exerting his beliefs as if he is a Messiah is causing a disconnect with the people, so he decides to remain "a voice never heard" to avoid upsetting the congregation, even though the person truly believes what he hears from these Biblical figures in his own mind.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 04, 2022, 02:02:32 PM
I've seen a couple people reference the lyrics in The Silent Man as if they are connected to Voices or have some other deeper meaning. I was never able to make heads or tails of them and thought they were kind of similar to the Metropolis Pt. 1 lyrics where John always said they didn't mean anything. Can anyone expand on what they think TSM is about?

I guess there is the stained glass imagery, and the "a voice never heard" line which call back to Voices, as well as similar themes of questioning religion. Is it supposed to be a reason v. faith sort of thing (with Voices being about struggles with one's faith, and TSM being about reason giving clarity or something)?

Voices is about what a person with schizophrenia experiences in their mind, and also the effect it has on others. Because of this, the person remains silent in order to avoid further confrontation. This persons delusions relate to Christianity as it's their religion and they are relating their life with these biblical personas and their own beliefs. Him exerting his beliefs as if he is a Messiah is causing a disconnect with the people, so he decides to remain "a voice never heard" to avoid upsetting the congregation, even though the person truly believes what he hears from these Biblical figures in his own mind.

Thanks, Ben_Jamin, that makes more sense than what I was thinking. I knew there was a mental health aspect to it (due to the name), but hadn't really thought about TSM in that way before. Of course, I found this on Wikipedia, which tracks with what you're saying about Voices but not so much about TSM:

"Erotomania", "Voices" and "The Silent Man" form a three-part suite titled "A Mind Beside Itself". Portnoy stated that the instrumental "Erotomania" was written "off the cuff"[14] as "a bit of a joke and parody".[14] Petrucci penned the lyrics to "Voices", dealing with the subject of mental illness. He researched schizophrenia and similar disorders and used religious terms "to make things more vivid".[15] "When I was writing it, I saw these terms and medical things that were just brilliant," he said. "Like there was a guy who felt that his skin was inside out. I read that and was like 'Oh my God! That's unbelievable; I've got to write about that.'"[15] Petrucci wrote the music and lyrics to the acoustic "The Silent Man". LaBrie described the lyrics as dealing with "communication breakdown, for instance between a father and a son. We feel that we have to play certain roles when around one of our parents, and we never really get to know the real person. I'm lucky that I behave with my own father like I would a friend. We can joke around and go for a beer."[14]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awake_(Dream_Theater_album)

Looks like that all came out of the Lifting Shadows book. Not sure how much we should trust James as the authoritative interpreter of JP's lyrics though!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: 425 on January 04, 2022, 04:27:11 PM
Alright, I left off at The Silent Man, so I have 13 more to go to catch up. Getting the majority of the way there in this post, and then I'll try to finish tonight or tomorrow.

One thing I noticed with the bottom 20 is that many of those were not on my list, which means a lot of songs that were on my list didn't make it. I'll try to go back at the end and recap all the ones I had that did not make the overall list. It looks like we're moving into a phase now where pretty much everything is going to have at least made my list, even if it's in a different place.


79. Ytse Jam
My ranking: #85

It seems to me this is a song that gets a lot of love and attention from longtime fans, and less so from newer fans. I'm in the newer camp chronologically, and I tend toward it in my evaluation of this song. It's a really good piece of music, and I put it around this part of the list, but it's less special for me because I prefer many of their later instrumentals. It deserves credit for being the most mature piece on WDADU, although that's probably due to it being an instrumental, since their biggest issue at that time was integrating vocals.


78. The Dark Eternal Night
My ranking: #71

Another song that's not far off from my placement. I know this one is reviled by people who dislike the late Portnoy era, but I think this is a really fun song. A lot of really unusual rhythms that feel like they're staying under control only owing to the skill and attention of the band, a surprisingly melodic chorus, and one of the heaviest riffs in their discography.

On the opposite side, I may be in a minority, and I wouldn't have held this opinion a few years ago, but I think MP should have just done growls instead of these distorted vocals on the lines like "Amidst fallen ruins, grotesque creatures battle." I guess it was still a bit unusual for a "regular" prog metal band to do that at the time, but I think it would have fit better.


77. The Best of Times
My ranking: #94

This is a good song with a lot of excellent musical passages, particularly the acoustic guitar in the first section and, of course, the massive closing solo. The reason it's not higher for me is that don't think it coheres as well as it could, particularly compared to most of the band's other songs in the 10-15 minute range. The divisions between the three sections (quiet intro, Spirit of Radio part, dramatic final section) are just so apparent and make it feel a little more like a suite than a single song.

I also kind of agree with Kev about James's performance being a bit lackluster. Part of that, I imagine, is that MP wrote vocal melodies that he would be able to sing himself, for understandable reasons. I have no problem with the lyrics, though.


76. A Fortune in Lies
My ranking: #53

I think this is a really cool song. It has a little bit of the disjointedness and overly obvious Rush/Metallica influence of the WDADU era, but the whole package is a catchy and progressive 5-minute piece. Great instrumental section.

This is the first song where I feel it's worth mentioning my preference for a version other than the studio one. I don't mind CD on this one, but I prefer JLB's performance, and off the top of my head, the Live at the Marquee version is my go-to. He absolutely nails the second verse in that way that only pre-'94 JLB could: "HERE is a poor man, the heart of this monster creation..." But the Luna Park version is also very good.


75. Only a Matter of Time
My ranking: #12

Here's the second song for which I thought I might have the highest placement. Turns out, Dream Team beat me by putting it at #4. Cool to see some more appreciation for this song, and because Dream Team and I don't always see eye-to-eye, but we do here. :tup

I think this is just a near-perfect song. You can argue that the vocal melodies are practically unsingable, and I won't disagree, but to the extent that they're pulled off, they're lovely. The lyrics are amazing, some of my favorite DT lyrics. And the outro is beautiful. I like songs that go from the beginning to end without much repetition, while still feeling cohesive and telling a sort of story—a disproportionate number of my favorite DT songs have this feature.

I like both CD and JLB on this. If I had to pick a definitive version, I'd pick the studio version, but the Budokan performance is a near-equally good interpretation of the song. I think if JLB had gotten into the studio and done this in the early 90s or mid 00s—and maybe even if he did it today—that would be the definitive version. Oh well.

Disappointed but not surprised to see it this low. This just seems to be a very hit-or-miss song, where some people love it, and others just don't get it. There are other songs where I'm on the miss side, so I get it.


74. This is the Life
My ranking: #83

I have a similar sense about this one as Kev. It was on my top 50 that I did about 9 years ago, and I still do like the song. But I feel like there's a little something missing. I'm not sure if it's the mix for me, or something else, but it's not one I feel I can put much higher than this. Maybe a little higher, if I was refining the list, though—I'm listening to it for this post, and quite enjoying it.

Still, a lot of really good little parts here. The instrumental break between the first chorus and second verse is a highlight. Overall this is a good example of Petrucci's subtler side.


73. On the Backs of Angels
My ranking: #45

This song might be the most center-of-the-page Dream Theater song, but it's a really good one. Great buildup in the intro, really good vocal melodies, nice keyboard touches throughout the song. There aren't a lot of specific parts to point to, this is just an all-around excellent song from start to finish.


72. Raise the Knife
My ranking: #60

This is a really good song that I feel like I just don't listen to enough because it's not on a studio album. Maybe if I listened to it more, I'd have it even higher. It just doesn't have that "back of my hand" familiarity that everything on the first 12 albums plus ACOS has for me. I don't know whether it's possible for them to ever release the cleaned-up versions of the remaining five FII tracks given the promised exclusivity of Cleaning Out the Closet, but it would really be nice to get those one day without paying an arm and a leg.

I think the best part of this song is the Kevin Moore diss section ("Tortured artist bares his soul" through "I won't walk away"), not because I don't like Kevin Moore (I do, a lot), but because it's just a really great part musically.


71. As I Am
My ranking: #78

This is a clear instance of a good song that definitely belongs in the top 100 and definitely does not belong in the top 50, IMO. It's a good opener for the album and for the Budokan concert, and it has some great riffs, but it feels just a little too stretched-out to go higher than this.

It is funny to hear JLB drop in that little Hetfieldism at the end of the first chorus.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 04, 2022, 05:02:42 PM
I've seen a couple people reference the lyrics in The Silent Man as if they are connected to Voices or have some other deeper meaning. I was never able to make heads or tails of them and thought they were kind of similar to the Metropolis Pt. 1 lyrics where John always said they didn't mean anything. Can anyone expand on what they think TSM is about?

I guess there is the stained glass imagery, and the "a voice never heard" line which call back to Voices, as well as similar themes of questioning religion. Is it supposed to be a reason v. faith sort of thing (with Voices being about struggles with one's faith, and TSM being about reason giving clarity or something)?

Voices is about what a person with schizophrenia experiences in their mind, and also the effect it has on others. Because of this, the person remains silent in order to avoid further confrontation. This persons delusions relate to Christianity as it's their religion and they are relating their life with these biblical personas and their own beliefs. Him exerting his beliefs as if he is a Messiah is causing a disconnect with the people, so he decides to remain "a voice never heard" to avoid upsetting the congregation, even though the person truly believes what he hears from these Biblical figures in his own mind.

Thanks, Ben_Jamin, that makes more sense than what I was thinking. I knew there was a mental health aspect to it (due to the name), but hadn't really thought about TSM in that way before. Of course, I found this on Wikipedia, which tracks with what you're saying about Voices but not so much about TSM:

"Erotomania", "Voices" and "The Silent Man" form a three-part suite titled "A Mind Beside Itself". Portnoy stated that the instrumental "Erotomania" was written "off the cuff"[14] as "a bit of a joke and parody".[14] Petrucci penned the lyrics to "Voices", dealing with the subject of mental illness. He researched schizophrenia and similar disorders and used religious terms "to make things more vivid".[15] "When I was writing it, I saw these terms and medical things that were just brilliant," he said. "Like there was a guy who felt that his skin was inside out. I read that and was like 'Oh my God! That's unbelievable; I've got to write about that.'"[15] Petrucci wrote the music and lyrics to the acoustic "The Silent Man". LaBrie described the lyrics as dealing with "communication breakdown, for instance between a father and a son. We feel that we have to play certain roles when around one of our parents, and we never really get to know the real person. I'm lucky that I behave with my own father like I would a friend. We can joke around and go for a beer."[14]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awake_(Dream_Theater_album)

Looks like that all came out of the Lifting Shadows book. Not sure how much we should trust James as the authoritative interpreter of JP's lyrics though!

That's how I interpreted it based off a glance of the symptoms of Schizophrenia, and looking into what Erotomania is. The "Communication Breakdown" I thought was between him and his religion, meaning the church he doesn't go to every sunday morning due to this wall and the voices. The subject of Erotomania is quite interesting too and how it relates to Schizophrenia as a symptom is quite a topic to write about.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 04, 2022, 06:47:31 PM
66 The Ministry of Lost Souls
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 17 (Wim Kruithof, Revenge319)


This one is always such a massive tease.  The main theme is glorious, and Petrucci's solo at the end is magnificent, but the meat itself is just such a drag to get through.  And it's not like there is any part of the song I dislike.  It just feels like work to get through it.  It didn't make my top 100, but I get why it did for many.  It had five top 25 finishes.


65 One Last Time
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 22 (Wim Kruithof)


I wasn't sure how this one would done since it feels more like a transitional Scenes track more than anything, but that chorus is so damn good, and I was glad to see others gave it a lot of love as well.


64 Behind the Veil
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 12 (wolfking)


I had this at 70, so this ranking seems just about right to me.  Really good song, one that seems to feature all of the elements that make DT so good.


63 Caught in a Web
Appeared on 21 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 17 (Cool Chris)


You can never go anything wrong with Awake.  I remember falling in love with that synth at the start of the song from the start.  The heaviness of the song itself took some getting used to for me back in 1994, but the synths were tremendous.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 04, 2022, 06:48:35 PM
76 - A Fortune In Lies:  #96

This is one song I really liked when I got into the band, but not so much now. It's still great in the vocal delivery by JLB, and I grew to enjoy the Live at Luna Park version due to how Mangini plays the song. It's a great song for him to showcase his drumming, especially the middle snare section.


75 - Only A Matter of Time:  #44

I got into this one through borrowing L@B from my uncle. I loved it instantly and enjoyed the way it's played here. On the album, it fits perfectly and is a great last song for a debut. It sets the listener up for hopes that the band has still stuff to prove, and it's just only a matter of time before they do. Which is interesting considering the impact the following song the fans hear on the next album being 'Pull Me Under'. I would love to hear this live someday, hopefully this tour (can't believe it's a month away :omg: ) , but I doubt it.

74 - This Is The Life:  #32

The lyrics of this song are a big reason for it being at 32. The words in the chorus are very inspirational in saying, this is the life we all belong to. Some choose to live it with grace and others get lost losing their way home, meaning their roots. It's a gift that is driven by love and crushed by hate. I hope to hear this on the set this coming tour.

73 - On The Back of Angels:  (Did Not Rank)

Even though it's not ranked, it would interchange between the bottom five songs of my top 100 list. the intro keyboard, I discovered is on my keyboard, which I found hilarious when I found it. I was very excited hearing the song when it was released, not only for Mangini but for how the sound of the band would be due to MP the producer being gone, and also how integral he was to their arrangements of their songs. The intro did not disappoint and instantly caught my interest with the atmosphere of the keyboards and the tone of the guitar, as well as the key it's in. The entire arrangement was exciting and refreshing to hear from the band. For me, it felt like a great follow-up to Black Clouds and Silver Linings, and showcased the band is still Dream Theater regardless of a big driving force not being there anymore.

72 - Raise The Knife:  #69

First heard it from Score as I had no funds to get the FII demoes from Ytsejam Records. After I heard it, I wondered why this song was not on the album. It's one of the songs on FII that sounds the most like Dream Theater and they left it off the studio release, stupid record label. I thought it was great that Portnoy decided to dust this out and expose it's greatness for an official live release. I bought the demo versions because I wanted to hear the tones of Dereks keyboards and how they would sound compared to JR's choice of keyboard patches. I actually like both versions, but I prefer the Score version as JLB's vocals are better there and have more emotion in the words, since this is a demo and the vocals won't be as good.

71 - As I Am: #100

This ranks last on my list and was here because I was feeling the song. The second song I heard from Dream Theater due to me and my cousin sitting in my uncles living room when he decided to watch Live At Budakon. This was when I first heard how much a keyboard can sound like a guitar, and was impressed with JR's twirling keyboard stand. It's the song I have seen the most out of all the times I have seen the band (actually it might be tied with Pull Me Under).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 04, 2022, 08:19:04 PM
70 - S2N: (Did Not Rank)

I have no idea why I didn't rank this song. It's got a groovy bass line and the rhythm is energetic. The lyrics are interesting and it's funny they included Owen Wilson's Wow sample to indicate the Wow signal phenomenon. It'll be fun to hear it live someday, but I also do wonder how JLB would do with the vocals being a bit demanding.

69 - Hollow Years:  #92

I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.

68 - A New Beginning:  #85

Not surprised this ended up on the list. I am surprised it is the last Astonishing song on the list though (Chosen is in my top 5). Conceptually, this song has a big reveal in the plot-line. The music represents Faythe's desperate plea to covince her father to first meet and listen to Gabriel before going on the full attack. I like the interplay between JLB's different character styles and how they utilize Arabelle's theme into the song. JLB shows this in the phrasing of "How they must be feeling" and when the song switches tone. This is a great way to end the story before Act 1 summary song appears, The Road to Revolution. It's neat seeing how Nefaryus' character shifts from this song compared to how he is in Losing Faythe. The ending groove and guitar solo makes me imagine Faythe leaving the empire travelling back to Gabriel's Hideout, while Nefaryus watching her fly in the distance contemplates this decision, and possibly goes into the castle halls and visits the room where Faythe discovered his Music Player, which the groove and guitar solo represent. This song is where we discover why Nefaryus sees Gabriel as such a threat, because of how music can connect with people, and Gabriel's song struck a chord within Nefaryus the same chord that struck his daughter. He not only feels like he might lose his empire, but his daughter as well.

67 - Beneath The Surface:  #55

I think the last and only time Dream Theater ended on a soft, calm note was with Space Dye-Vest. Every other album ends with a bombastic ending epic, or similar styled song. It's refreshing to hear an acoustic, strings, and piano song. The section starting with "I would scream just to be heard..." is one of the most beautiful things the guys have written. I don't mind the keyboard solo either, as that patch fits the tone of the song. If I were to show a person calm Dream Theater, it'd be this one.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 04, 2022, 08:21:05 PM
3 songs in my Top 20 have shown up already! (BtS, Caught in a Web, and Ministry).

When I got Awake, I thought "ok, was that first album a fluke?" (I thought it was their debut). I heard 6:00 and thought, ok, so I think this band is for real. Then CiaW came on, and I knew this band was legit.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 04, 2022, 09:44:50 PM
From now on I'm going to include the forum ranking first, it's less confusing when reading the threads. I'll be updating my other responses as well after this one.

66 - The Ministry of Lost Souls: #47

The sudden intro band crash beginning is why this song is where it's at. Otherwise it would've been higher. Although, I like how it transitions from Prophets of War on the album. I enjoy how Systematic Chaos is an album with lyrics that are like stories, or fairy tales, and this tale is hauntingly serene. JLB has better emotion in his vocals on Chaos in Motion, and I like that Portnoy uses his entire drum kit transitioning flawlessly from one side to the other for the instrumental solos, I can't remember if he did in the studio as well. The moment the instrumental ends and it's just JLB and JR is why I listen to Dream Theater.

65 - One Last Time:  #64

Even though it's short and transitions from The Dance of Eternity, there are great melodies across it. Being the song that is consisted of the early live rehearsal demo parts, it's a big moment in regards to the musical theme for me. The music relates to the how Nicholas is feeling when he is confused about there being something missing to his dreams, to his flashbacks of Victoria having her One Last Time with Julian, and then his excited wonderment at the truth he saw when he walks through the open door into the bedroom, hearing victoria screaming as Julian pleads forgiveness. I like how the audience doesn't know what Nicholas saw, as he then starts talking about being okay with dying, likely based on what he saw, before it is revealed what really happened in Finally Free.

64 - Behind The Veil:  #81

JLB's vocal delivery for certain phrases makes the song sound more sinister, which fits the tone of the lyrics. The instrumental and the solo is top notch Dream Theater. The rhythm behind the guitar solo is energetic, the drumming is great on it too. I'd like to see this one live.

63 - Caught In A Web:  #97

This song is straight up non stop energy and it's perfect in a live setting. Honestly if there was a song that was in constant rotation for a Dream Theater set, this would be one up there. Listening to the Live At Luna Park version and JLB just kills it. This song is weird for me though, because I'll love it and then I won't. But when it does come on I will listen and rock out to it, and sing along to the high part.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 04, 2022, 09:46:21 PM
I have One Last Time at 34 and Caught in a Web at 36. I’m a little surprised those aren’t flipped, but I mentioned in the recent survivor that OLT is one of my favorite parts of SFAM. I only wish it were a bit longer! Great instrumental section there. Caught in a Web was the first DT song I ever heard, and for a while it was a song I really really liked. But I don’t listen to it all that much anymore unless I am spinning all of Awake. Still a strong song with a cool hook at the beginning.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 05, 2022, 03:49:56 AM
Huh, I had TMOLS ranked at 66!  OLT at 70 and CIAW 55 so thereabouts with those 3.

BTV has been a fav the instant I heard it.  It's right up my alley and I love the old school Megadeth/Metallica style riffing and love what James is doing on this one.  This is one of JP's best solos too, easily and certainly not easy to play.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 05, 2022, 05:21:12 AM
69 - Hollow Years:  #92

I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.
Then you'd probably love the version of HYears they played on the BCaSL tour!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6Ao3FMyqM
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on January 05, 2022, 07:42:28 AM
66 The Ministry of Lost Souls

This one is always such a massive tease.  The main theme is glorious, and Petrucci's solo at the end is magnificent, but the meat itself is just such a drag to get through.  And it's not like there is any part of the song I dislike.  It just feels like work to get through it.  It didn't make my top 100, but I get why it did for many.  It had five top 25 finishes.


This has been my disappointment with the song. The melody is gorgeous, the instrumental section/outdo solo are awesome, but the slow tempo and the verses draaaag this song entirely too long. If this were sped up just a tad (like on Chaos in Motion) and about 5 min were trimmed off, this could be one of their best songs.

Catching up:

S2N: 81
Hollow Years: N/A (love the melody but I’ve always found this song boring)
A New Beginning: N/A
Beneath the Surface: 86
The Ministry of Lost Souls: 71
One Last Time: N/A
Behind the Veil: 23 (love the spacey intro, the main riff is awesome, and JP’s solo is perfection)
Caught in a Web: 38
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 05, 2022, 08:12:29 AM
69 - Hollow Years:  #92

I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.
Then you'd probably love the version of HYears they played on the BCaSL tour!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6Ao3FMyqM

Right. It was a mix between the Demo and Budokan versions.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: AnotherDimension on January 05, 2022, 10:50:01 AM
69 - Hollow Years:  #92

I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.
Then you'd probably love the version of HYears they played on the BCaSL tour!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6Ao3FMyqM
I love James, but his introducing Mr. John Petrucci during one of his finest solos has always bothered me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 05, 2022, 05:34:02 PM
# 66 - The Ministry of Lost Souls - Me: #24
# 65 - One Last Time - Me: #86
# 64 - Behind the Veil - Me: #49
# 63 - Caught in a Web - Me #43

No single song benefited more from this catalog revisit than TMOLS.  I've always maintained that SC is probably DT's only truly poor album.   In the first year, I found nothing worth revisiting except TDEN and Part 1 of ITPOE.   All the rest I found to be either boring or just plain bad.   I originally cast TMOLS as one of the "boring" ones.  But on the re-listen, it finally clicked with me, and it I'm pretty confident in saying that it has passed up TDEN as my favorite from the album.  Great song, and I don't find anything out of place about it.

One Last Time does suffer a bit from being a transitional piece, but I will admit that the melodies are absolutely gorgeous.

Behind the Veil is just so much fun.  That shifting riff that they use (especially at the end) is the perfect example of why I love Dream Theater so much.  I have always loved bands that will play with the rhythm a bit.  Get you going on one headbang, just to shift the entire thing on the next bar.   If you have to go back a dozen times in order to get the air drumming *just right* on your steering wheel...then that's a great song.

Caught in a Web is another great one.  The 1-2 punch of the 6:00 and this really saved Awake for me.   I heard the advance single Lie on the radio about a week before release, and I was a bit disappointed.  But when I brought the CD home, the two opening tracks sold me completely.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 05, 2022, 07:01:49 PM
It's a small sample size obviously, but some of the results so far, just by eye balling them, are a bit surprising to me.  No spoilers yet, but there is a song that has been no worse than a top 20-25 DT song in my eyes for nearly 25 years now and it might have a hard time even making the top 100 here.  That is just shocking to me.

FYI, when I said the above, that song appears tonight at number 61...


62 The Shattered Fortress
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 12 (Wim Kruithof)


I have always maintained that this works much better as a stand-alone song than as the final song of a suite.  I had it at 90.


61 Peruvian Skies
Appeared on 18 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 15 (geeeemo)


I was stunned to see this left off of eight lists.  I have always thought this song was awesome (I had it at 19), and it being all the way down at 61 is just strange to me and my myopic view. :lol :P


59 (t) Lie
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 3 (AnotherDimension)


I had this at 51, so this seems about right.  Awake is my favorite DT album, and every song is a winner.  This is just one of its least best winners.  :metal :metal


59 (t) Lost Not Forgotten
Appeared on 21 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 15 (TAC)


Honestly, I erred by leaving this off. I gave a listen the other day to the live version from Live at Luna Park and was reminded of how damn good this is.  And I think the tickle section worked better live than it did on the record.


Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 05, 2022, 08:10:29 PM
I have Peruvian Skies at 45. That might be a little low, as I do like it pretty well, but it’s not one of my favorites on FII (it’s one I would have been willing to swap out for The Way It Used to Be, Speak to Me, and/or Raise the Knife). Eyeballing my list now, I don’t think there’s a huge difference for me between Peruvian Skies in what I have ranked in the 11 or so spots in front of it. So it could have easily been a top 35 song just as well as 45.

In fact, I have Lie at 35. I’ve always though this had a really cool riff, and it’s rhythmically a lot of fun, even if I can see how the vocal lines in the verse might seem a bit cheesy to some. Killer guitar solo too. I probably do like it more than Peruvian Skies, but not as much as 10 spots in the rankings might suggest.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 05, 2022, 08:21:21 PM
66 The Ministry of Lost Souls (-)
Really a good song, with a beautiful story and a great instrumental/solos, but still... it drags a bit.

65 One Last Time (#85)
Such a beautiful piano intro... although not credited, it does sound a lot like a Derek's idea. Very good, just a bit too short.

64 Behind the Veil (#80)
Excellent, great intro, amazing drumming and guitar solo - there's something about the way the guitar solo ends that I love very much! Imagine this song and DT12 with the D/T's production...

63 Caught in a Web (#94)
Heavy and exotic!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 05, 2022, 11:42:40 PM
72 Raise the Knife - not rated.

71 As I Am - 53. Its a good rocker. One of a few I have seen live. Fun!

70 S2N – 40. I really like this one. I hope they play it this time. This song would be great in a live setting.

69 Hollow Years – 60. Of course one has to think of the live version. Ballads arent what I always want to listen to and that factored into my ranking.

68 A New Beginning – 21. I always want to listen to this song. It has everything Dream Theater. Great story. Great James. Great guitar/solo. Great melody. Not predictable. I fell in love with DT the moment I saw JP play the solo.

67 Beneath the Surface – 77. A ballad, so again not always wanting to listen to it. And sadly, its relating too much to my life at the moment. Its beautiful though.

# 66 - The Ministry of Lost Souls -  88. Its a great song, with a great instrumental. It feels too long.

# 65 - One Last Time -  44. Good song. All songs on Scenes are great.

# 64 - Behind the Veil - 24. This song has got something so unique about it. My 2nd fave on this record. I hope they play it!

# 63 - Caught in a Web - 72. I was really enamored when I discovered Awake. It has slipped though and other records I just like better.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 06, 2022, 12:44:23 AM
69 - Hollow Years:  #92

I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.
Then you'd probably love the version of HYears they played on the BCaSL tour!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6Ao3FMyqM

I loved everything about that version. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 06, 2022, 04:57:08 AM
66 the Ministry of Lost Souls #17
65 One Last Time #22
64 Behind the Veil #54
63 Caught in a Web #61
62 the Shattered Fortress #12
61 Peruvian Skies #60
59 Lie #9
59 Lost Not Forgotten #-

The Ministry of Lost Souls is a story that somehow has this great hold on me. I love the lyrics of a loved couple, separated on both sides of the earth and it is the highlight of Systematic Chaos for me. It grabs me and I can't get rid of it, until the song is done.

The Shattered Fortress is (as is the whole Twelve Step suite) such a beautiful piece. I have the Glass Prison and this Dying Soul both in my top 10 and this is to me, sort of Twelve Step suite's Razors Edge. The prayer on the end are lyrically my favorite lines of their whole discography. Being a christian they touch my very soul and I recognize myself in the struggle - not alcohol per se, but sin in general.

I am stunned, absolutely stunned that Lie and Lost Not Forgotten end up as a tie. Lie is, together with the Mirror as one-two-punch in my top 10... and I consider Last Not Forgotten as one of their weakest tracks. Build Me Up, Break Me Down is even worse but it is a multiple skip for me and that can be considered un-usual. And Lie this 'low' as 59, with one of Petrucci's most complex solo's ever... unbelievable.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 06, 2022, 06:06:46 AM
62 The Shattered Fortress (#81)
The BTFW live version really made me appreciate more this song.

61 Peruvian Skies (-)
Amazing how this song blends Pink Floyd and Metallica so effortlessly. Honestly, it deserved to be in my #60 to 90, but I forgot it!

59 (t) Lie (#37)
One of DT's best singles (only looses for TTT) and I love that they added the ending of The Mirror on it.

59 (t) Lost Not Forgotten (#17)
Maybe my favorite MM era song, it's just perfect in everything! All the variations on its arrangement, that groove beginning at 4:44 and the solo section are incredibles!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 06, 2022, 06:51:52 AM
66 The Ministry of Lost Souls – didn’t make my top 100
65 One Last Time – 100
64 Behind the Veil – 47
63 Caught in a Web – didn’t make my top 100
62 The Shattered Fortress – 51
61 Peruvian Skies – 83
59 Lie – 99
59 Lost Not Forgotten – 42

Neither TMoLS nor CiaW made the cut for me. With regards to TMoLS, I can see the comparisons in basic structure to SSons, but while I like all of SSons, aside from the instrumental section, TMoLS really drags for me. The main melody feels like it’s from an overly dramatic movie soundtrack, and it’s plodding nature makes it feel like the song goes on forever. The instrumental section is it’s saving grace, but not enough for it to make my top 100.

OLT just made the cut for me. And I agree with the sentiments that it is a transitional piece but that the chorus is great. I’m glad that chorus gets reprised in FF.

BtV is another great song. I love the stretch of the 3 songs on the s/t that weren’t played on the 2014 tour (TBP, BtV, StR) – shame that I haven’t gotten to see it live.

I ranked TSF a bit higher than the general average here. To be honest, I could have done with a little more original/new ideas than having so much of it be rehashed from the previous 4 songs, but overall TSF is a great way to end the 12SS. I’ll never forget how much that track was repeatedly bagged on in this forum, which I couldn’t understand, but then once it was played on the 2014 tour, all of the sudden everybody liked it.  :omg:

PSkies was one of my favorites when first played on the Fix for 96 tour, but over the years, I’ve grown a bit tired of it. Glad the band gave it a bit of new life by including different Pink Floyd and Metallica excerpts into it at different times, but it’s not a track I’m likely to revisit these days.

Never was a huge fan of Lie although I’ll be the first to concede that it usually gets the crowd pumped. The real saving grace of that song is the last 1.5 minutes, which in reality is just the reprise of The Mirror. Without it, Lie would’ve never made my top 100, and even then, it did so just by a thread.

For me, LNF is one of the better tracks on ADToE, and I rate it very closely to it’s IaW companion piece (UaGM). Great song with some over-the-top playing!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 06, 2022, 07:37:04 AM
I've fallen behind a bit here, but I'll do my best to catch up. Sometimes I get a sort of writer's block for these writeups and it's hard to talk about my thoughts for a song beyond simply saying that I think it's good. But enough about that, here's my thoughts on a few different songs on the list:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is the Life
My ranking: #72. This is one of those songs that gradually gets stronger with every listen. I could see this potentially getting close to my Top 50 or higher with more listens. In fact, #72 almost feels a little too low for it! Oh, well, sometime in the future I'll see how this statement holds up. I really like how this song progresses. It starts off mostly slow and calm, then slowly more elements get added on, and towards the end it gets quite powerful. 5:23-5:52 is one of the greatest Dream Theater moments that nobody seems to talk about.


On the Backs of Angels
My ranking: #88. One of the first Dream Theater songs I listened to! I think it still holds up as a great song in Dream Theater's discography. I'm not sure how to explain it, but this song has this almost pleasant and calm sound to it. I don't if it's the specifics sounds they use, or if it's the production, or something else. I most enjoy the quiet, atmospheric parts of this song, like the intro and the piano solo.


(I have not listened to Raise the Knife before; therefore, I have no comments regarding it.)


As I Am
My ranking: #80. I love the intro, and not just because it starts as a continuation of the ending of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. It's such a beautiful sound, and somehow it manages to fit in perfectly with this song that's otherwise straight-up metal. Despite my praise of the intro, my favorite part is the guitar solo, which has to be one of the most technical and amazing solos Petrucci has done. That whole instrumental section is awesome... Can't believe this is only #80 on my list, but that's what happens when I rank songs from Dream Theater. There's too many great ones to put this higher.


S2N
My ranking: #59. A rare example of a song that's gone down significantly in my rankings over time. #59 is still really good, but it used to be around #37. It's hard to pinpoint what made it go down over 20 spots, but maybe that's just how I felt at the time of ranking it a few months ago. This song is really great. So many great parts, like the bass intro, the chorus, the instrumental section, and the instrumental outro which is reminiscent of the one from The Dark Eternal Night. Listening to it again, I'd probably put it back up around the Top 40 if I were to redo my Top 100 right now.


Hollow Years
My ranking: #75. What a beautiful song. The highlights here are the lyrics, and James' singing. The chorus in particular is one of the best they've ever done, especially the last one (or two, if you count the repeating "Once the stone you're crawling under" separately). I'm sorry I keep bringing up how I want to rank songs higher than what I've put them at, but this song is just so good that I could instantly bump it up to at least the Top 50 without hesitation.


A New Beginning
My ranking: #30. Everything about this song is amazing. The energy, the vocal performance, the lyrics, and of course, the guitar solo. The guitar solo alone makes this song a 10/10, but because Dream Theater is the band I will always call the greatest, there is an extra 5 minutes of similarly high quality music that they have let us experience before the guitar solo.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 06, 2022, 07:50:57 AM
69 - Hollow Years:  #92

I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.
Then you'd probably love the version of HYears they played on the BCaSL tour!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6Ao3FMyqM
I loved everything about that version. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome! There's quite a few BCaSL bootlegs out there, so while there's no officially released live release with that version, you can still have it as a part of your collection.   :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 06, 2022, 11:51:52 AM
Been following this thread… very fun. I didn’t have time to do my rankings but I’m following along.

So far nothing has made me angry which is good haha.  I will say “one last time” is ranked too low, I’ve always loved that song and it’s such a cool change of pace from the songs preceding it.   The petrucci guitar licks are off the charts.

Peruvian skies is a great song but I think it may get ranked a little lower due to it being a bit derivative of Metallica.   

Anyways…. Excited to see more songs unveiled.   We are getting pretty close to “classics” territory now.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 06, 2022, 02:18:46 PM
Since it was announced earlier that there are no more TA tracks after #68, I am slightly surprised that ‘Chosen’ didn’t rate.  I had it at #71.

70. S2N (#65) Who shines more on this Rush inspired track?  Trick question, as they all do!  To show how much I like D/T, this was my lowest rated song.

69.  Hollow Years (#9) another of my wife’s favorites.  My prior two studio purchases were ToT and SC when I finally got my hands on FII in ’09, so I rate the LP higher than most here. This song ‘reached’ me.  And, oddly, for this old guy, the Budokan version raised my rating about ten notches .  Also enjoyed the alternate version live in Philly with a friend who still lists this as his favorite.

68. A New Beginning (NR) I did a cut and paste mistake that Kev caught when I sent the list (the man obviously worked hard on this :tup).  This must have been my original choice at #76. So, you can blame me that it didn’t come in at #67 😉

67. Beneath the Surface (#39) a surprising final album track that fits nicely.  Made me think of Journey placing ‘Open Arms’ at the end of ‘Escape’, and Queen placing ‘My Melancholy Blues’ after the rocking ‘It’s Late’ to end ‘News of the World’.  The lyrics and the time of its release pushed its rating up for me.

66. The Ministry of Lost Souls (#63) It closes out my version of SC.  Good live performance.

65. One Last Time (#26) given the high rating as part of the medley.  So ‘Pavlovian’ for what follows.
(hopefully I made lovethedrake feel better with my placement 😉 )

64.  Behind the Veil (#80) when I was revisiting the discography, there’s hints of The Astonishing LP in this song, from its spacey beginning to what follows.  Just thinking aloud….. that this could have been the stand out track had it been on TA (with adjusted lyrics, of course).  Killer instrumental and finish.

63. Caught in a Web (#91) Should have rated it higher just for the distinctive beginning. 

62.  The Shattered Fortress (NR) Had not listened to this for ten years until today, and then only snippets.  Before being chastised, and to be fair, I grew up on The Beatles, fell in love with Queen in ’74, there are songs I have deleted on my album versions of theirs, and have not heard in decades.  Good intro and instrumental, but the MP vocals ruin it for me.  Still surprised they played it on tour with MM. 

61.  Peruvian Skies (NR) I like it, but the lyrics are obviously a bit on the down side.

Getting to the point where I can tell that there will be more than a few songs I rated that won’t be listed, as well as ones that I did not rate.  That’s the variety of the band and its fans.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 06, 2022, 03:20:49 PM
That did make me feel better haha… thanks Dragon Attack!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 06, 2022, 06:40:53 PM
58 Surrender to Reason
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 6 (Laughingplace56)


I had this at 57, and it was my highest ranked song from the self-titled album.


57 Innocence Faded
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 5 (Elite)


This is from Awake, so it being great is a given.  :hat :hat


56 The Enemy Inside
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 18 (Laughingplace56, erciccio)


I was impressed with how liked this song was, as it appeared in almost every list.


55 A Nightmare to Remember
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 9 (geeeemo)


I had this at 84, but it likely would have been 50 spots higher if the second half of the song was as great as the first half.  Not that the latter half is bad or anything, but it just doesn't live up to the first half, IMO.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: 425 on January 06, 2022, 08:29:48 PM
Alright, let's see if I can get the rest of the way caught up.

Before I get started, I'll also comment on Chosen, which Ben_Jamin and Dragon Attack both mentioned. That's one of my favorites on The Astonishing, and I had it at #50, behind only A Life Left Behind. I suspect it suffers due to the perception that there are a lot of ballads on the album, but I think it deserves more recognition than it gets.


70. S2N
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #142)

Near rock bottom for me. It's not a bad song, it just doesn't really do a whole lot for me, like a significant chunk of Distance over Time. There are some cool riffs, and I like the outro, but the melodies are really bland to me, especially the chorus. Cool that some people get a lot out of it, though!


69. Hollow Years
My ranking: #32

This song comes across as a pretty simple ballad, but it just grew and grew on me over time. There's a lot of powerful atmosphere and emotion to it. To me, the Budokan version is the definitive version, because the solos are just so good. But the studio version would still make my top 50.


68. A New Beginning
My ranking: #72

Not my personal choice for top song on The Astonishing, but I wouldn't argue too strongly with it—it's definitely a highlight on the album, and was so even more when I saw it live. The reason, of course, is the solo, which absolutely deserves it. What holds the song a little bit back for me is that I don't think the vocal melodies are all that special. The best ones are Arabelle's bridge and Nafaryus's "This man's a fraud and a hoax."

I also don't like how quickly Nafaryus's turn comes in the run of the song. It feels like he has no reaction to this revelation about his past and Faythe's besides basically saying "ok fine I'll meet him," which he says right after Faythe's revelation with barely enough time for James to take a breath between. That said, the instrumental side of the song makes up for these shortcomings.


67. Beneath the Surface
My ranking: #88

I think this is a pretty ballad, and an interesting way to close ADTOE after the majesty of Breaking All Illusions. It's on the lower end of my list mainly because it feels a little long for what it is, which isn't a huge deal, but it matters when splitting hairs. I've always liked the entry into the keyboard solo.


66. The Ministry of Lost Souls
My ranking: #35

Detractors of this song complain that it's the epitome of Dream Theater's tendency to write really long during this era, and I understand why people feel that way. But I think this song makes really good use of every second of its 14:57. TMOLS is just full of beautiful, grand, emotional melodies, starting with the main theme, but including a number of others as well. And it's a masterful buildup. I know some complain about the instrumental section, and I get it, but I really like what Mike does to bring the song into that section from "I gave you life" through that big melodic transition.

And then there's that solo. Going through this list has really cemented to me the extent to which Petrucci is the core of Dream Theater. Not that others don't contribute a lot, but he's easily the one I've mentioned the most, and deservedly so.

My sense is that the popular opinion on this song has improved considerably since I become a DT fan, which is nice to see. Listening to it now, I think #35 might be a somewhat conservative ranking for this one. I could easily see it creeping up into the 20s.


65. One Last Time
My ranking: #39

I love One Last Time. It's awesome to see some love for it from others besides me, even though it fell too low on the list at the end of the day. I think this is the Scenes track where music and storytelling are most in sync. And, narratively speaking, it's the climax of the album ("I'm finally shown what I have always known / Coincidence I can't believe / As my childhood dreams slowly come true / Are these her memories awakened through my eyes?"), so I vehemently oppose the idea that it's a "transitional song" (also, thinking of a nearly four minute song a "transition" is a very prog fan thing to do :lol). That final vocal section, "Here I am inside his home" to the end, is also one of the most evocative and emotional parts of the album, to me.


64. Behind the Veil
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #123)

This song falls down there in my "good song, doesn't stand out enough" section. I think this song has a lot of good ideas and good parts, but doesn't fully come together. The chorus is the weak link, in my opinion. The verses and the solo are quite good, but the chorus just doesn't quite bring the point home.


63. Caught in a Web
My ranking: #34

I love this song. Excellent grooves, excellent heavy riffs, awesome atmospheric keyboards, and low key one of JLB's best-ever studio performances. Just a lot to love. I feel like it's been underappreciated by the band and the fans over the years. It is to me what The Mirror seems to be to others. It's the song I think of when I think of Awake.


62. The Shattered Fortress
My ranking: #81

I think #81 is an under-rank on this one. When thinking about it, it's easy to think of it as "the one with all the reprises," but it's a good song in its own right. The first and last sections are really good, and the middle section isn't a big let down or anything. Right now I'd say it probably does belong in the 60s. Inventory!


61. Peruvian Skies
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #120)

Kev, I'll admit to being one of the guilty parties on this one! This song is in my "good but doesn't stand out" section. It's a nice song, I enjoy listening to it, but it doesn't have as much impact as at least 100 other songs.


59. Lie
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #119)

Yeah, it's in the same territory. It's fun to listen to and sing along to, but it's just not at the level of the top 100 for me.


59. Lost Not Forgotten
My ranking: #89

I slept on this one for a while, but it's a really solid song. I stand by putting it in the high 80s/low 90s range because I think it's a tiny bit long for what it is, but there are some awesome riffs here, and I really like the "An epic novel no one's read... "The ghosts of yesterday" part.


58. Surrender to Reason
My ranking: #73

This is a really good song. Just a lot of strong melodies and good moments all over it. I feel like it's one I overlook when I'm just thinking about Dream Theater songs, but when I listen to it, I remember what makes it so good (thus, it might be a tiny bit low, although it's hard to say what I'd push down for it). This really deserves a good live version. Did they ever play it?


57. Innocence Faded
My ranking: #59

Another really good one off Awake, and a moment here where I'm almost completely in line with the consensus. I really like how we get this softer song that still has a lot of energy and fits in with the atmosphere of the album. And some amazing JLB moments here, of course, along with a great guitar solo. It may be controversial, but to me, the best three song run on Awake is the first three.


56. The Enemy Inside
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #104)

I was impressed with how liked this song was, as it appeared in almost every list.

Well, this is awkward...

It's near the top of that "good but doesn't stand out" territory, which is the fate of a disproportionate number of songs on DT12. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it, I like the intro a lot, and the verses are pretty good. It just doesn't quite have enough going for it to break my top 100.


55. A Nightmare to Remember
My ranking: #29

For my first two or three years of listening to Dream Theater, this song was one of my favorites. It's fallen off a bit, mainly owing to a second half that I will freely admit is not as good as the first half. But it's still one I enjoy a lot. The intro is massive, and I love the work the song does establishing motifs that it will return to, even if it revisits some of them one time too many. Also, Mike does some awesome drumming, particularly in the first half of the song. Blast beat notwithstanding.

I'm pro-Day-After-Day, although these days I'd rather Mike had done the full growl instead of the tough guy. And in general, I like the backing vocals on this song. I know some just simply don't enjoy them, and I respect that, but I like the blend of multiple voices they had going in the 00s.



Whew. Finally caught up. Unless Kev has made a second post while I was typing this. :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 06, 2022, 09:52:05 PM
Innocence Faded is awesome. Really a quintessential DT song. 57 seems waaay too low. I have it at number 12.


56. The Enemy Inside
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #104)

I was impressed with how liked this song was, as it appeared in almost every list.

Well, this is awkward...

It's near the top of that "good but doesn't stand out" territory, which is the fate of a disproportionate number of songs on DT12. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it, I like the intro a lot, and the verses are pretty good. It just doesn't quite have enough going for it to break my top 100.


Truthfully, I had to put 100 songs on my list, and there are some that made it by default. This would be one of them.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 06, 2022, 10:18:51 PM
... "good but doesn't stand out" territory, which is the fate of a disproportionate number of songs on DT12. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it...

That sums up well how I feel about that album as a whole. All the songs are good, there is nothing wrong with any of them. Yet... none of them stand out in any significant way.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on January 07, 2022, 12:41:11 AM
Just a few words on the Enemy Inside (#18 for me, I am one of the two top rankers)

It's my favourite "metal" song by Dream Theater, followed by The mirror and Home.

I think it's the only one where everything is just perfect: the riff, the melody during the verses (one of the traditional weak points in other DT metal songs), the chorus, the bridge (again, one of the few situations where they built the "right" melody over diminished chords, unlike The Glass Prison or Beyond this life for example), the solos and even the outro.

I also think that the production is perfect- while I understand the complaints concerning DT12 production on other songs (Along for the ride in primis) I think the settings are just perfect for this kind of tune.

I think that the song is underrated because of the album it belongs to, because it was a relatively "pop" single, and because of the horrible video...but it's a great song!

It's also in my wife's top 10!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 07, 2022, 03:06:58 AM
STR - Had it at number 30.
IF - 17.  In the 50's is way too low!
TEI - Number 38 for me
ANTR - Had it at number 23
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Elite on January 07, 2022, 04:54:42 AM
57 Innocence Faded
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 5 (Elite)


This is from Awake, so it being great is a given.  :hat :hat

Whoo!!! One of my top 10 entries made the list :) Of course, at #57 it's not even close to being high enough, but I expected it to land somewhere halfway I guess. Needless to say, I absolutely love Innocence Faded, else I hadn't placed it at #5. It's been my second favourite song from Awake for as long as I can remember. I don't exactly know what it is about this song that draws me towards it so much, but it's got to be the combination of the lyrics, the structure and of course the amazing ending. As a youngster (I was about 15-16 when I first heard Awake), this song about losing one's innocence, growing up and finding a place in the world spoke to me a lot and to this day it still does. Absolutely astounding track, I did not put this at #5 just for the hell of it. This would be my favourite Dream Theater song, if there weren't 4 I love even more.



56 The Enemy Inside
Highest Ranking: 18 (Laughingplace56, erciccio)

:o

I had it at #19! Two people even higher!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on January 07, 2022, 07:45:05 AM
I had The Enemy Inside at #56!

Do I win something?  :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 07, 2022, 09:43:51 AM
58 Surrender to Reason -
A very good song and it has an amazing JP/JM/MM interplay during the solo - I wish that part was longer.

57 Innocence Faded # 96
Love this one. I think DT should do more often songs like this, The Looking Glass and Transcending Time.

56 The Enemy Inside # 60
Amazing single and, in retrospect, it should begin DT12, showing the unleashed MM!

55 A Nightmare to Remember # 26
Amazing song from start to finish, although it could be trimmed just a bit and I don't know what to think about the "night after night" part until this day! :D
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 07, 2022, 10:05:59 AM
Thinking about this again. Innoncence Faded got left off of 6 top 100 lists?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 07, 2022, 10:28:14 AM
Thinking about this again. Innoncence Faded got left off of 6 top 100 lists?
Yes. Mine was one of them.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 07, 2022, 10:47:55 AM
Thinking about this again. Innoncence Faded got left off of 6 top 100 lists?
Yes. Mine was one of them.

It's all subjective and everybody has songs they just don't connect with. Just hard to imagine it being that low on anyone's list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 07, 2022, 12:10:26 PM
62 the Shattered Fortress  - 75.  Its good. I like the heaviness.

61 Peruvian Skies  - 15.  I love this song! It never gets old and the different variations are fun, especially to watch JP live when he was younger and was more animated.

59 Lie  - 68.  I would be higher for me if it were as one with The Mirror.  :biggrin:

59 Lost Not Forgotten - 94.  I am a bit surprised it's not higher. But it's my least favorite on that record. Which means it's still great!

58 Surrender to Reason - 63.  This one has grown on me. As I have listened more to this record. It's a bit mellow, so it slips for that reason.

57 Innocence Faded - NR - I just can't get into this song. One of the rare skips.  James is beautiful here.  Who knows though, if I listen more, I could change my mind.  :)

56 The Enemy Inside - NR - Another that just doesn't do it for me.  Much prefer IT - it's my #3.   i must say though, DT skips are usually better than most other music!


55 A Nightmare to Remember - 9.  Again, one of my first DT finds.  When I turned my best girlfriend onto DT, (she's not even into metal) this became her favorite! I'll never forget the last tour. It was in CA, so I hadn't seen the set-list. I was with my son. This started playing. We were both Soooo excited! It was probably the loudest concert I have been to, (painfully loud - but perfect for my bucket-list  to see live song, Home) so we just looked at each other and mouthed the words..is it??? and nodding yes with big smiles.  A moment!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 07, 2022, 03:19:17 PM
Thinking about this again. Innoncence Faded got left off of 6 top 100 lists?
Yes. Mine was one of them.
It's all subjective and everybody has songs they just don't connect with. Just hard to imagine it being that low on anyone's list.
Honestly, given that there are 70+ songs that won't make the cut, I'm surprised that IF made as many lists as it did, especially in comparison to some of the other songs that didn't make as many top 100 lists.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 07, 2022, 04:37:25 PM
Thinking about this again. Innoncence Faded got left off of 6 top 100 lists?
Yes. Mine was one of them.
It's all subjective and everybody has songs they just don't connect with. Just hard to imagine it being that low on anyone's list.
Honestly, given that there are 70+ songs that won't make the cut, I'm surprised that IF made as many lists as it did, especially in comparison to some of the other songs that didn't make as many top 100 lists.

Admittedly, I am not representative of the broader DT fan base. Still, seems like a classic song from a classic album would be up there for more than 75% of the fan base (not that the 25 of us who submitted lists are necessarily a representative sample either).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 07, 2022, 07:11:02 PM
I had mentioned earlier that three songs did not make the top 50 despite being number 1 on someone's list.  We had only seen one of the three so far.  The other two we seen tonight!

54 6:00
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (HOF)


I had it at 37, which almost seems too low, but I stand by everything I had ahead of it.  Still, this song is killer.  :metal :metal


53 Sacrificed Sons
Appeared on 21 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 7 (DragonAttack)


This is one of those that, for me, has all of the elements that made DT great, but doesn't totally stick to landing.  I like it, but I do not love it.  It did not make my top 100.


52 Erotomania
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 6 (KevShmev)


This is the first featured song where I had the highest ranking.  Like Peruvian Skies, it made me a little sad to see it ranked low on some lists or left off four completely, but it is what it is.  I think this song is just totally awesome.


51 This Dying Soul
Appeared on 18 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (wolfking)


A lot of good things going on in this song, but there are parts I do not care for all that much.  Some really love it though, which is why it finished at 51 despite being left off eight lists, mine included.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 07, 2022, 07:38:35 PM
62 The Shattered Fortress
I didn't rate this.

This was a really disappointing finish to the 12 Step Suite. Cool to see it live though. I actually did enjoy that and I'm glad it made an actual live album.
The "I am responsible" part at the end is fantastic though.

61 Peruvian Skies
I had this at #23.

My FII was and always will be a three song EP featuring Peruvian Skies, Lines In The Sand, and Trial Of Tears.


60 (t) Lie
I didn't rate this.



59 (t) Lost Not Forgotten

Highest Ranking: 15 (TAC)


Great tune. Love everything about it.


58 Surrender to Reason
I rated this at #55.

Love the Rush feel to this.


57 Innocence Faded
I rated this at #34.

My first impression of Innocence Faded was so bad. For that first year, I thought Awake started on Voices, and sometimes Erotomania. IF is a top James moment in the catalog. The Score version is amazing. I don't know how he pulled it off.
I'm glad I got to see it twice on the Awake tour before they pulled it.

56 The Enemy Inside
I had this at #60.

Another song I feel I should rate higher. Damn ranker! This song rocks!!


55 A Nightmare to Remember
I had this at #74.

I should like this more. This song takes so long to wind down. Most of it is really good though. Those MP vocal parts really don't do a lot for me.


54 6:00
I had this at #87.

This is the first new DT music I heard post I&W. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.

53 Sacrificed Sons
I had this at #44.

Kev, that's interesting when you mention them sticking the landing. I feel like the landing is fine, but the take off is a bit shaky. Still, an above average tune.

52 Erotomania
I had this at #62.

This is a great instrumental.


51 This Dying Soul

Highest Ranking: 1 (wolfking)

I had this at #19.

Wolfking knows what's up! This is Top 20 material for me. The "These tormenting ghosts of yesterday" part is one of my favorite passages in the catalog. Great tune. :metal


Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 07, 2022, 08:05:37 PM
Two more #1s.

I like 6:00 but those movie samples are gawd awful. Looking at my list, it is #30, which is much higher than I would have expected.

This Dying Soul didn't make my list. Some cool music in the first part, but horrible vocals. The first instance of "Seriously guys, you have James LaBrie in your band, and this is how you are asking him to sing?"

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 07, 2022, 08:24:22 PM
54 6:00
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (HOF)


54 6:00
I had this at #87.

This is the first new DT music I heard post I&W. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.


LOL! At least TAC ranked it though, unlike the 4 heathens who left it off altogether! :P

6:00 is a perfectly executed prog song in a five and a half minute package. It’s like the DT equivalent of The Spirit of Radio. One of those formative songs that shaped my view of what prog was or could be.

It just hits you right between the eyes with the opening drum fill (probably my favorite MP moment) and never stops, aside from a perfectly placed pause with the “pain inside coming outside” section. The lyric is perfect, and James really nails it. It’s been kind of a personal purpose statement kind of song since I was about 16, and it still resonates at 39 (maybe more so). Not all of DT’s music connects with me the way it did when I was in high school, but this one does.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 08, 2022, 07:18:36 AM
54 6:00 (#21)
Well, HOF said it all... maybe my personal favorite drumming of all the time. Hearing this song for the first time when the album was released was an amazing feeling! :o :heart
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2022, 07:21:32 AM
6:00 was one of the few Awake songs that grabbed me right away at first.  Awake is my favorite DT album, but it was a little bit of a grower, as it was so different from I&W.  6:00 and Voices (the beginning at least) were the two I liked right away, and I liked that Caught in a Web intro a ton as well. The entire second half (four songs of which ended up in my top 25 here) was like a blur the first few times. :lol   But that is not unusual for an album to be a bit of a mystery at first and then reveal its true self only after a handful or so of listens.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 08, 2022, 07:25:20 AM
6:00 was one of the few Awake songs that grabbed me right away at first.  Awake is my favorite DT album, but it was a little bit of a grower, as it was so different from I&W.  6:00 and Voices (the beginning at least) were the two I liked right away, and I liked that Caught in a Web intro a ton as well. The entire second half (four songs of which ended up in my top 25 here) was like a blur the first few times. :lol   But that is not unusual for an album to be a bit of a mystery at first and then reveal its true self only after a handful or so of listens.

I was horrified when I first heard Awake. I had played I&W to death, as well as Live At The Marquee.
6:00 did nothing for me, and CIAW did even less. When Innocence Faded started with it's poppy feel, I was bummed big time. Oddly, it wasn't until I got to Space Dye Vest that I thought the album offered anything new or interesting. This was my FIRST listen impression.
I quickly came to love Voices and Scarred. Especially Scarred. My ride to work for months would consist of those 3 songs.


These days, I think Innocence Faded is amazing, but I'm still lukewarm on both 6:00 and CIAW.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 08, 2022, 07:28:49 AM
58 Surrender to Reason #-
57 Innocence Faded #51
56 the Enemy Inside #75
55 a Nightmare to Remember #33
54 6:00 #62
53 Sacrified Sons #97
52 Erotomania #85
51 This Dying Soul #7

Nice to see Wolfking had This Dying Soul even higher ranked. I love every bit, from the very start till the last note. It is one of those pieces which made Metallica step aside. And one of those who really burp-up al the shame and pity, that I didn't know about Dream Theater when I was young. Although I very very much love Mangini and his role in the band, Portnoy has a special place in my heart, for his Twelve Step suite.

Interesting HOF, that you place 6:00 as you number 1. Although I love Awake as being one of my all time favorites, I don't like all those samples Portnoy weaved in and 6:00 for (ex)ample, is one of those that just doesn't do it for me. The mellow part in between, that you call the 'pain inside, coming outside-section' is not really for me. I love the piece, although not highly as you.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2022, 07:35:40 AM
6:00 was one of the few Awake songs that grabbed me right away at first.  Awake is my favorite DT album, but it was a little bit of a grower, as it was so different from I&W.  6:00 and Voices (the beginning at least) were the two I liked right away, and I liked that Caught in a Web intro a ton as well. The entire second half (four songs of which ended up in my top 25 here) was like a blur the first few times. :lol   But that is not unusual for an album to be a bit of a mystery at first and then reveal its true self only after a handful or so of listens.

I was horrified when I first heard Awake. I had played I&W to death, as well as Live At The Marquee.
6:00 did nothing for me, and CIAW did even less. When Innocence Faded started with it's poppy feel, I was bummed big time. Oddly, it wasn't until I got to Space Dye Vest that I thought the album offered anything new or interesting. This was my FIRST listen impression.
I quickly came to love Voices and Scarred. Especially Scarred. My ride to work for months would consist of those 3 songs.


These days, I think Innocence Faded is amazing, but I'm still lukewarm on both 6:00 and CIAW.

Yep, it was a culture shock.  I&W was so bright and glossy, and then Awake was so dark and gritty.  It didn't even sound like the same band.  In fact, our local radio station advertised that they were going to play the new Dream Theater song in 1994 during the 7:00 hour on a Sunday night (this was like a week or two before Awake's official release), so my brother and I turned it on to hear it, and when Lie (the single) came on, we didn't even realize it was Dream Theater, so we turned the volume down a little and kept on talking and not paying attention to the song and then when it was over, the deejay was like, "Okay, that was the new Dream Theater song," and we were like, "Wait, what?" :facepalm: :facepalm: :lol :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 08, 2022, 07:49:57 AM
(I was touching up my Word copy to this post, and five people responded in that time!) 
59. (t) Lie (#90) low on my list, but I do enjoy it.

59. (t) Lost Not Forgotten (NR) Gets off to a great start for two minutes, but that next thirty seconds (ouch).  Choruses reminded me of Iron Maiden’s ‘Run To The Hills’.

58.  Surrender to Reason (NR) Another nice Rush beginning and ending.   

57.  Innocence Faded (NR) A killer ending, yet I’m not a fan of the vocals (but I’m OK with tunes like ‘Lie’ and BMUBMD  :huh:).  Not included on my ‘Awake’ version

56.  The Enemy Inside (#50) Balls to wall ‘opener’, and I feel like I have PTSD watching the video.  Began to appreciate it more after TA was released.

55.  A Nightmare to Remember (#99) Other than the ‘day after day’ segment (which I removed) I really liked it, but it has not aged well for me.  I’ll always remember the first of my BTB shows in 09 where only half the curtain dropped. 

Whether this is new to some or not, I thought I’d include it (setlist scotty is mentioned) https://dreamtheater.club/questions/question/whats-the-story-behind-the-cookie-monster-vocals-in-a-nightmare-to-remember/

54. 6:00 (NR) I’m one of the heathens😉 I just now realized that when I transferred the original list to Excel, I did a ‘find and replace’, replacing the numbers in front of all the songs with spaces.  So, this title disappeared. :facepalm:  If this were titled ‘Six O’Clock’, I’d have placed it about #80. I do try my best to hear it as the first song on Christmas Day.

53. Sacrificed Sons (#7) captures just about every emotion from that day and afterwards for me.  The ’09 tour had various pix on the back screen throughout, Portnoy’s drumming is 11+, and there was something where I ‘felt’ as if his angst eight years later was still wanting him to pound holes in his kit.  I’ve been to NYC thirty times since then (never before), and listen to it when lower Manhattan becomes visible.  James provides perhaps the most insightful lyrics of any of their songs.

I often listen to 8vm in three segments, PA/NE/SS as segment or 'side' two. SS would have made a great album closer.  My wife even had the chorus as her ringtone for my calls up until two years ago :D

52. Erotomania (#13) perfect on its own or as part of the trilogy.  Fortunate as well to see it performed in ’09 the night before. 

51. This Dying Soul (NR) The first 3:41 is killer, and then goes in and out of places that aren't for me so often on ToT.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 08, 2022, 08:51:21 AM

54. 6:00 (NR) I’m one of the heathens😉 I just now realized that when I transferred the original list to Excel, I did a ‘find and replace’, replacing the numbers in front of all the songs with spaces.  So, this title disappeared. :facepalm:  If this were titled ‘Six O’Clock’, I’d have placed it about #80. I do try my best to hear it as the first song on Christmas Day.


Ha! Well, I suppose that is forgivable!  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 08, 2022, 09:02:58 AM
Erotomania on the other hand finished about right. I had it a little higher at 43, but this range feels appropriate.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 08, 2022, 09:11:39 AM
Interesting HOF, that you place 6:00 as you number 1. Although I love Awake as being one of my all time favorites, I don't like all those samples Portnoy weaved in and 6:00 for (ex)ample, is one of those that just doesn't do it for me. The mellow part in between, that you call the 'pain inside, coming outside-section' is not really for me. I love the piece, although not highly as you.

I wonder if that was a Portnoy thing or a Kevin Moore thing with the samples. I always assumed it was Kevin’s doing since both 6:00 and SDV were so heavy on them and they act almost as part of the musical structure of the song.

Personally I love the “Six o’clock on a Christmas morning, and for what!” clip. Such a random movie to pull from. We watched it in literature class in college when we were studying The Dead, and I had no idea that’s where the clip came from until the scene hit. I was jumping up and down in my seat, being the only person in the class who knew or cared! I also loved that that movie had Colm Meany (Chief O’Brien in Star Trek DS9) in it. Other that that I don’t remember any of it though!

This clip still cracks me up:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w31PNpobV2Y
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: 425 on January 08, 2022, 09:18:31 AM
Though I don't have specific evidence of this, I really think the samples on 6:00 are Kevin Moore thing, seeing as Space Dye Vest and Eve are probably the most sample-heavy DT songs and are very KM-driven (SDV being exclusively his). Plus, Eve and 6:00 both feature samples from adaptations of James Joyce novels, which is probably not a coincidence.

Not to say that Mike didn't push for the use of samples in other songs (I imagine the ones in Honor Thy Father are his choice, for example), but I think the 6:00 ones were KM.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 08, 2022, 09:39:25 AM
Though I don't have specific evidence of this, I really think the samples on 6:00 are Kevin Moore thing, seeing as Space Dye Vest and Eve are probably the most sample-heavy DT songs and are very KM-driven (SDV being exclusively his). Plus, Eve and 6:00 both feature samples from adaptations of James Joyce novels, which is probably not a coincidence.

Not to say that Mike didn't push for the use of samples in other songs (I imagine the ones in Honor Thy Father are his choice, for example), but I think the 6:00 ones were KM.

Yep. And Kevin has always used lots of samples in Chroma Key and OSI as well. MP may have done the samples on The Mirror and ACOS though.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 08, 2022, 10:16:56 AM
I wonder if that was a Portnoy thing or a Kevin Moore thing with the samples.
It was both. In the songs where MP wrote the lyrics, MP was behind the samples. Where KM wrote the lyrics, it was KM.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 08, 2022, 10:37:53 AM
I wonder if that was a Portnoy thing or a Kevin Moore thing with the samples.
It was both. In the songs where MP wrote the lyrics, MP was behind the samples. Where KM wrote the lyrics, it was KM.

Yeah, that makes sense.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 08, 2022, 10:44:39 AM
And unfortunately I think the samples rarely add anything to their respective songs.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 08, 2022, 11:27:51 AM
53 Sacrificed Sons (#55)
Besides The Answer Lies Within and Never Enough, I think Octavarium is an amazing album, closing DT "magic period". This song is great!

52 Erotomania (#32)
Sooo good this instrumental, love that melodic part in the middle.

51 This Dying Soul (-)
The heaviest DT song… excellent, but, at same time, drags a bit. Although it isn’t in my top 100, now I think it deservers to be somewhere at #70 to #90 spot.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 08, 2022, 12:25:59 PM
There is something about TDS that has hooked me since I first heard it.  I love everything about it and being a metal head, its the perfect combo of heaviness and classic DT elements.  The riffing, the chorus melody, the Blackened section, the Megadeth section (the one Tim mentioned),  that brilliant Glass Prison reprise breakdown riff, Petruccis self indulgent solo and that amazing outro, to me, it has it all.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 08, 2022, 01:39:17 PM
Ok....started a new job this week, so I've been super busy.  But here's the grand "catch up"

62. The Shattered Fortress - Me #100
61. Peruvian Skies - Me #23
59 (t). Lie - #126
59 (t). Lost Not Forgotten - Me #65
58. Surrender to Reason - Me #79
57. Innocence Faded - #93
56. The Enemy Inside - #67
55. A Nightmare to Remember - #48
54. 6:00 - Me #50
53. Sacrificed Sons - Me #29
52. Erotomania - Me #34
51. This Dying Soul - Me #41

Out of this batch, only Lie did not make my top 100.  Three made my top 40, with Peruvian Skies ranking highest.  Nothing in my top 10.

I suppose I'm not entire shocked to see TSF this high.  I just think it suffers on its own, being that it's more of a "collage" than a standalone song.   But when I play the 12SS as a whole piece, I think TSF is an excellent closer.

I'm a bit surprised to see Peruvian Skies place this low.  Honestly one of the standout highlights from FII, and one of the few songs from OIALT that really stand out as taking a really great song, and somehow making it even better in a live setting.  Most of the performances on OIALT are disappointing to me, but PS is a standout exception.

Lie never did it for me.  I heard this as the lead single on the radio about a week before Awake came out and I was a bit worried.  Luckily it turned out to be the only weak point on the album.  I suppose it's OK when they play it live, but I prefer it when they play The Mirror with the reprise at the end of Lie and just omit Lie altogether (as they did on LSFNY).

Lost Not Forgotten is where ADTOE really kicks it up a notch.  OTBOA was exciting on the first listen, but the PMU homage was so blatant that it didn't age well.  Then BMUBMD was extremely different...it wasn't until I hit LNF that I knew everything was going to be OK.

Surrender to Reason is one of those songs that is so good, and just suffers from being "least best" on an excellent album.  The self titled was my favorite Mangini era album until the new one...and it still might be a tie once the "new car smell" wears off.   

Similar emotions for Innocence Faded.  The beginning is just a bit too poppy sounding, but that excellent outro riff saves it.  I was glad they pulled it out for the Score show, and I feel bad it placed this low in my "head to head" list.  Interestingly enough, it placed #64 on my first (of three total) tries.  That just shows how fluid the bottom half of my list is.

The Enemy Inside is a fantastic album opener.  ADTOE had good points and bad points, so I was a bit shaky on DT next journey.  This was the first album written with MM in the studio, and coming out of the gate like this was REALLY exciting. 

A Nightmare to Remember...I'm surprised I placed it quite this high.  It is a really great song, but I don't know if its quite top 50 material.   It made #63 on my 2nd list and that seems a bit closer.  I LOVE the entire opening, the main riff, and the "beautiful agony" parts.   Mike's growling bridge section doesn't do it any favors though. 

6:00 is another amazing album opener.   After hearing Lie on the radio, I was worried, but then when this was the first thing I heard after bringing it home, I was instantly in love.   I couldn't get that amazing opening groove out of my head.

Sacrificed Sons is just wonderful.  Just the way it fits into the overall theme of Octavarium and the beauty of the piece on its own.  Incredibly emotional and powerful song.  I think it does a better job of conveying the emotions of 9/11 than ITNOG (which has a more general subject matter...but still feels inspired by the events of 9/11)

Erotomania was another one that just had me giddy with delight when I first heard Awake.  I can be very hit and miss when it comes to instrumental pieces, but this one hit it out of the park and sets up Voices beautifully.

This Dying Soul doesn't deserve some of the hate I've seen it get.   Fantastic follow up to TGP and a worth "part 2" of the 12SS.   It also stands on its own much better than some of the other pieces of the 12SS (like the aforementioned TSF).   

All things said.   My biggest divergence from the final tally was Lie, which I placed 66 places lower than the crowd.    And, like some have said, I'm starting to lose faith that some of the songs that I placed very high are not going to make the list at all.   For instance, The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun and Light Fuse and Get Away both made my TOP 30!   But if I haven't seen them yet, I'm losing hope that I will see them at all.  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 08, 2022, 02:25:20 PM
It’s weird how everyone heard Lie first from Awake but I could swear the first (and only) song I ever heard from Awake on the radio was Caught in a Web. It was actually the first time I heard DT, though it’s possible I heard Lie and didn’t know it was DT I guess (don’t think so).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 08, 2022, 02:25:31 PM
And unfortunately I think the samples rarely add anything to their respective songs.
I don't have a problem with them. To me, they're an integral part of each song they appear in even though they themselves aren't music or musical. The only thing of the sort that bugs me was when JL would introduce a song about 1 minute after the band had begun playing it, such as 6:00 on L@LP. He seems to have done that mostly on the Dramatic tour, so I'm glad he doesn't anymore.
 
 
It’s weird how everyone heard Lie first from Awake but I could swear the first (and only) song I ever heard from Awake on the radio was Caught in a Web.
Not sure why that's weird. In 1994, DT was still a known entity (off the back of IaW and especially PMU), so the lead (pre-release) promo single to their follow up album was surely to get radio airplay. I can remember hearing the radio edit (with the drum intro and without the Mirror reprise) on the local rock radio stations regularly leading up until the release day of Awake.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 08, 2022, 02:26:24 PM
It’s weird how everyone heard Lie first from Awake but I could swear the first (and only) song I ever heard from Awake on the radio was Caught in a Web.

IMO, that would’ve been a better introduction to the album.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 08, 2022, 02:59:56 PM
I never heard anything from Awake on the radio, but I definitely remember the Lie video.

I still remember the opening night of the tour and seeing some shorthaired keyboard player. I was like WTF?? You can hear me gabbing all over the Providence boot..."He's from Alice Cooper's band"! :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 08, 2022, 03:02:22 PM
Quote from: jammindude link=

All things said.   My biggest divergence from the final tally was Lie, which I placed 66 places lower than the crowd.    And, like some have said, I'm starting to lose faith that some of the songs that I placed very high are not going to make the list at all.   For instance, The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun and Light Fuse and Get Away both made my TOP 30!   But if I haven't seen them yet, I'm losing hope that I will see them at all.  :-\ :-\

If it helps even just a little, I ranked them both as well.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 08, 2022, 03:28:11 PM
I never heard anything from Awake on the radio, but I definitely remember the Lie video.

I still remember the opening night of the tour and seeing some shorthaired keyboard player. I was like WTF?? You can hear me gabbing all over the Providence boot..."He's from Alice Cooper's band"! :lol

Funny story. I didn’t know until the night of the show either. My first wife and I took the entire day off so we could hang out at the venue and wait for the buses to pull in. of course, there was no security or entourage back in those days. so we got to meet all the guys after the buses pulled into the alley, and they had to walk (yes…WALK) A block or two to the hotel they were staying at. we had bought a cow related T-shirt as a gift for Kevin (remembering the reference that he liked “moo cows” from the LIT video) and that’s when MP himself told us “Oh…you guys haven’t heard yet” and broke the news to us. after that, I vaguely remember hanging out with some fans outside the side doors and listening to the sound check. They were going over the instrumental section of Metropolis over and over again, and at that time, it sounded like Derek was struggling with a little bit of it. But I gave him a pass because I think he was still trying to learn it at the time and it must’ve been a lot to take in. I don’t doubt his ability as a keyboard player. I think it was just an extremely difficult song to learn on the fly.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 08, 2022, 04:29:27 PM
I'm starting to lose faith that some of the songs that I placed very high are not going to make the list at all.   For instance, The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun and Light Fuse and Get Away both made my TOP 30!   But if I haven't seen them yet, I'm losing hope that I will see them at all.  :-\ :-\
They didn't make it. If AFiL, YJ and Afterlife – which are all more universally liked on this forum – were already posted in position, there's no way in hades that obscure tracks like TOWHtStS and LFaGA are gonna make the list. Bums me out too, because both made my top 20, but unfortunately that's the way it is.
 
 
I never heard anything from Awake on the radio, but I definitely remember the Lie video.

I still remember the opening night of the tour and seeing some shorthaired keyboard player. I was like WTF?? You can hear me gabbing all over the Providence boot..."He's from Alice Cooper's band"! :lol
Funny story. I didn’t know until the night of the show either. My first wife and I took the entire day off so we could hang out at the venue and wait for the buses to pull in. of course, there was no security or entourage back in those days. so we got to meet all the guys after the buses pulled into the alley, and they had to walk (yes…WALK) A block or two to the hotel they were staying at. we had bought a cow related T-shirt as a gift for Kevin (remembering the reference that he liked “moo cows” from the LIT video) and that’s when MP himself told us “Oh…you guys haven’t heard yet” and broke the news to us.
Interesting. I knew KM was gone, but I think I might have been under the impression that JR was gonna be the keyboardist judging by a couple blurbs that were posted in the music magazines that I was reading at the time.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 08, 2022, 05:17:26 PM
I have Light Fuse and Get Away in my top 50. It’s not a favorite per se, but I think the instrumental section is really cool, and I like the chorus for the most part. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun is on my list but further down. It has interesting lyrics, but not a ton else sticks out about it to me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2022, 07:58:54 PM
Light Fuse and Get Away finished at 101. That broke my heart a little, as I had it ranked at 50.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 08, 2022, 08:00:32 PM
50 is way too high.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2022, 08:01:45 PM
And now we jump into the top 50, and I will start doing less songs with each update, if that pace works for everyone.

50 Stream of Consciousness
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (Vmadera00)


I had this at 56, so this seems about right.  I would have had it higher years ago, but it's not like I like it any less.  I just like others more now.


49 Pale Blue Dot
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 25 (Setlist Scotty)


This was an interesting one in that it made it on to 24 lists, yet 25 was its highest placement.  I had it at 69.  For as many songs by the band that feel like they could have been a little shorter, this one feels like it should have been a little longer.   It's like there is a verse missing. Still a very good song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 08, 2022, 08:42:13 PM
I have Stream of Consciousness at 41. Nice instrumental, and the best thing on TOT.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 08, 2022, 08:51:11 PM
I have Light Fuse and Get Away in my top 50. It’s not a favorite per se, but I think the instrumental section is really cool, and I like the chorus for the most part. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun is on my list but further down. It has interesting lyrics, but not a ton else sticks out about it to me.


This is a common criticism of TOWHTSTS that absolutely feels like a stab to the heart every time I hear it.

The intro ALONE might be one of the most beautiful moments on the entire album. Then after that? You get that slow build up of tension.

UGH! I don’t want to hijack the thread, but the fact that that song is so maligned (often finishing last on song ranking’s from that album) might be TO ME the greatest injustice of DTs entire catalog.

/rant

Commentary on SOC and PBT coming tomorrow.

Thank you for doing this Kev. This is actually amazingly fun. I think I speak for all of us when I say we are all having a blast doing this!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2022, 08:52:51 PM
You're welcome. Glad everyone is having with this!!  :tup :tup

FYI, The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun finished at 125.  :eek :eek
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Countdown underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 08, 2022, 09:51:23 PM
I have Light Fuse and Get Away in my top 50. It’s not a favorite per se, but I think the instrumental section is really cool, and I like the chorus for the most part. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun is on my list but further down. It has interesting lyrics, but not a ton else sticks out about it to me.


This is a common criticism of TOWHTSTS that absolutely feels like a stab to the heart every time I hear it.

The intro ALONE might be one of the most beautiful moments on the entire album. Then after that? You get that slow build up of tension.

UGH! I don’t want to hijack the thread, but the fact that that song is so maligned (often finishing last on song ranking’s from that album) might be TO ME the greatest injustice of DTs entire catalog.

/rant

Commentary on SOC and PBT coming tomorrow.

Thank you for doing this Kev. This is actually amazingly fun. I think I speak for all of us when I say we are all having a blast doing this!

Oh, that intro is amazing. To be honest, I sort of forgot how good it was. Just reacquainted myself with it now. I think my issue is more with the vocal melodies (and the bass drum sound!), but that's true of a lot of WDADU. Like I said, it's on my list (all the way up at 70!). But it had been a while since I'd revisited it so I had sort of a vague sense of what it was like.

And yes, thanks Kev for doing this. I made a playlist of my top 30 and listened to it last night and today. That was a blast.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 08, 2022, 10:36:28 PM
50 Stream of Consciousness #44
49 Pale Blue Dot #-

The first time I listened to Distance Over Time, I remember being a little unsatisfied. I really liked it, but overall was hoping for something more (a void a View filled to the fullest). And although I absolutely love both Barstool Warrior and At Wit's End... the Pale Blue Dot doesn't come near that kind of beauty, to me. The album is in my lower tier, which made it still one of the sixteen studioalbums I only spent time with, since a couple of years. Next to the Dream Theater discography, it's - of course - Pink Floyd's the Wall.

And, as said by others already... tremendous shoutout to KevShev. The moments I sit with my MacBook, it's basicly most on this thread.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 09, 2022, 02:32:30 AM
49 for PBD is too high.  I had it at 85.  Had SOC at 73.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 09, 2022, 02:46:33 AM
I have
Erotomania #65
Pale Blue Dot #64

so pretty much in line..

As concerns Erotomania, I have a small story.
When I was at the University, I had a rock band, and we used to play rock covers (Pink Floyd, Deep Purple..).
After I&W I introduced Dream Theater to the rest of the band- I told them that they were super technical guys, but my keyboard player (a classical player with a "Conservatorio" diploma) was quite skeptical, stating that the drum player and the guitar player were great, but the music overall was just "american high-quality metal", but nothing really special...

Then I showed him the music score for Erotomania and he changed his mind...!
He was amazed by the amount of key and rhythm changes, the classical and atonal influences, the use of quintines at that speed...and so on! :)
He had to confess that "those guys are fucking amazing"!
And he fell in love for Awake, more than I&W thanks to the dark vibes..

I still have my Guitar music score for Awake with his fingering notes to play a few songs on piano... ;)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 09, 2022, 02:54:57 AM
Have I missed something or we have seen no song from I&W yet?
Are they all in the top 49?
That would be cool...I have them all in my top 33:)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 09, 2022, 03:01:46 AM
No songs from I&W yet.. if they're all still yet to come, that means at least Wait for Sleep is too high :biggrin:

we also haven't seen anything from Six Degrees so far, only One Last Time from SFAM and not a lot from Awake either.

You wouldn't think all of that is going to be cluttered at the top, don't you? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 09, 2022, 05:18:48 AM
 :)
No songs from I&W yet.. if they're all still yet to come, that means at least Wait for Sleep is too high :biggrin:

we also haven't seen anything from Six Degrees so far, only One Last Time from SFAM and not a lot from Awake either.

You wouldn't think all of that is going to be cluttered at the top, don't you? :neverusethis:

Wait for sleep is quite high for me!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 09, 2022, 07:32:54 AM
No songs from I&W yet.. if they're all still yet to come, that means at least Wait for Sleep is too high :biggrin:

we also haven't seen anything from Six Degrees so far, only One Last Time from SFAM and not a lot from Awake either.

You wouldn't think all of that is going to be cluttered at the top, don't you? :neverusethis:

Six of the 11 songs from Awake have already been featured in the top 100. :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 09, 2022, 10:49:34 AM
I still remember the opening night of the tour and seeing some shorthaired keyboard player. I was like WTF?? You can hear me gabbing all over the Providence boot..."He's from Alice Cooper's band"! :lol

Funny story. I didn’t know until the night of the show either. My first wife and I took the entire day off so we could hang out at the venue and wait for the buses to pull in. of course, there was no security or entourage back in those days. so we got to meet all the guys after the buses pulled into the alley, and they had to walk (yes…WALK) A block or two to the hotel they were staying at. we had bought a cow related T-shirt as a gift for Kevin (remembering the reference that he liked “moo cows” from the LIT video) and that’s when MP himself told us “Oh…you guys haven’t heard yet” and broke the news to us.

I wonder how often things like this happened pre-internet. I went to the first Nightwish show with Floor, and would have had no idea if I didn't get on the internet that day - and saw it posted here. I was thinking while standing in line "surely everyone here knows about Floor, right?" 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 09, 2022, 12:15:57 PM
The best thing about the pre-internet days is that the setlist was always a surprise.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 09, 2022, 03:33:43 PM
The best thing about the pre-internet days is that the setlist was always a surprise.

True. But it's only our fault to not control ourselves and see the setlist before the show... obvious, but often we would like so much the rotating setlists just to compensate that.

Anyway, I ranked both SoC (#52) and PBD (#48) around those spots.
I think really interesting that DT, with the metal album mentality, really succeded in create SoC as a more groovy and focused instrumental, for the band's standards.
About PBD, it is really very good for what is, incorporating more rhythmically modern influences in their songwriting, but I do think the song is a bit shortned specially the instrumental part, that sounds a bit restrained in terms of what the band could have explored .
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 09, 2022, 03:45:52 PM
The best thing about the pre-internet days is that the setlist was always a surprise.

True. But it's only our fault to not control ourselves and see the setlist before the show... obvious, but often we would like so much the rotating setlists just to compensate that.

That's interesting. I think you're right about that.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: 425 on January 09, 2022, 08:03:16 PM
Alright, here are my thoughts on the last two batches. Excited to see what ends up in the top 50! By my count, 11 of my top 50 fell outside of the overall top 50, and I'm 1/2 on the first two songs we've seen.


54. 6:00
My ranking: #44

I think I mentioned earlier when Innocence Faded came up that the first three songs are my favorite three-song run on Awake. It seems like a lot of fans have a preference for the second half of the album, but, to me, these three songs are a big part of what makes Awake special. They're compact, yet proggy, and have a lot of character. 6:00 has some really interesting things going on rhythmically, and a great performance by JLB. I totally understand why some found it jarring when the album was first released, but coming in with some preparation for a different sound, 6:00 made a powerful impression on me: This album is going to be a completely different animal, but still brilliant.


53. Sacrificed Sons
My ranking: #40

I think the opening section is absolutely spellbinding. It hits just the right tone given the subject matter, and the lyrics are really good. But I think the rest of the song is good, too. I don't find the instrumental section jarring, and the final vocal section feels like a natural continuation of the emotion set at the beginning. The one thing that hits me a little wrong is the line "our mistake." Personally, I just don't think that sentiment belongs in the song. But that's not enough to bump it down too much.


52. Erotomania
My ranking: #62

I really like this song. It's a well-constructed instrumental that comes across to me as having a real logical flow of ideas and a lot of interesting moments. Like a lot of songs from the Moore era, you really get the feel that the guitars and keyboards each have their own space in the music and all the instrumentalists have a chance to shine, which isn't always the case with modern DT.


51. This Dying Soul
My ranking: #27

So, I'm not quite as bullish on this one as wolfking and at least one other person, but I really like this song a lot. I totally see how it's calculated to turn off people who aren't fans of metal and "instrumental wank," but as an unapologetic fan of both, I love it. The first part, Reflections of Reality (Revisited), is especially excellent. I really like the way the intro moves from relentless heaviness into a melodic sort of heaviness. Overall I feel that this song does a great job weaving together really heavy music and huge, soaring melodies.  It's gorgeous. Especially the chorus of the first part, which is one of my favorite DT choruses, period.

This is my favorite song from the Twelve Step Suite, and it's also my favorite lyric from it. I find the image of a dying soul really powerful.


50. Stream of Consciousness
My ranking: #16

I really love this song. Though it's musically separable from Vacant, it feels like a continuation of the same somber mood, played out on a longer, heavier scale, albeit without vocals. It's right next to Vacant in my rankings, and it's hard for me to say which I like better.

It's interesting, to me this song is very much "Dream Theater writes a Metallica instrumental." The whole style of taking a few sets of motifs and building and varying them, interspersed with solo sections, it's just very much what Metallica was doing on The Call of Ktulu, Orion and To Live is to Die (and would do on Suicide and Redemption). And they even have a few bass-driven parts, like Metallica would. Those songs are some of my favorite Metallica songs, and I like Stream of Consciousness better than all of them. It succeeds on similar terms: having a powerful atmosphere and mood, and playing with interesting motifs within that mood. The fact that Dream Theater can and do write parts in here that Metallica could never hope to play doesn't detract from the atmosphere.


49. Pale Blue Dot
My ranking: #87

I really had a hard time with the whole Distance over Time album. My first impression was really negative, and while it's improved with time, it remains my least favorite DT album. (I have a bit of a sense of foreboding knowing how many people love this album and that this is only the second track we've seen from it, but I digress.)

The first several times through the album, this song just made no sense to me, just did not come together at all. But one day, it kind of clicked into place, and it's now a song I like—top three on the album, even. I think the chorus is really good, and there are some interesting instrumental parts in all the denseness. I think this potentially still has room to grow, and maybe slide up into the 70s or 60s.

(And maybe one day I'll be less of a curmudgeon about this album. Maybe AVFTTOW will be my way in.)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 09, 2022, 08:11:14 PM
48 The Killing Hand
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (TAC)


Not surprisingly, this is the highest ranked song from the debut.  Great song for sure.


47 The Dance of Eternity
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 7 (Laughingplace56)


I was one of the three to not have this in their top 100.  Solid tune, with out of this world musicianship of course, but I rarely gravitate towards the super technical tunes unless they are really strong on the melody as well. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 09, 2022, 08:37:03 PM
I have The Killing Hand ranked 73, lowest of all of the WDADU tracks. Just never liked it, especially that falsetto “I am the killing hand!” part.

The Dance of Eternity is 23rd on my list, and I’m surprised it’s not higher overall. To me this is DT’s trademark instrumental (even though I have one other instrumental track, Hell’s Kitchen, ranked above it). My wife even remarked about how it sounded cool when I was listening to it yesterday!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 09, 2022, 09:01:30 PM
Looking at my list, I graded WDaDU pretty harsh, as in, I only included Ytse Jam. Wonder why only that song made my list?

Listened to Stream of Consciousness for the first time in ages just two days ago. Man that song is a beast. #25 for me. Easily my top instrumental.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Dream Team on January 09, 2022, 09:37:47 PM
I have Stream of Consciousness at 41. Nice instrumental, and the best thing on TOT.

Funny. ITNOG destroys it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: jammindude on January 09, 2022, 09:58:08 PM
I have Stream of Consciousness at 41. Nice instrumental, and the best thing on TOT.

Funny. ITNOG destroys it.

SOC made my top 40. ITNOG barely cracked my top 100…just a few slots higher than Vacant. 2nd lowest of all TOT songs.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: 425 on January 09, 2022, 10:03:54 PM
Interesting, so I'm still 50% on my top 50 songs making the overall top 50.

48. The Killing Hand
My ranking: #37

Tons of respect to TAC for putting this in the top five. There was a time when this was probably pretty close to my top ten, but that's an difficult group to join.

I love this song. It's a great proggy adventure, with tons of great melodies and instrumental excitement. The Live at the Marquee performance of this song is a top five DT vocal performance for me—the fact that it's dubbed in the studio does not detract from it at all. Charlie does okay on this one, but James made it his own.


47. The Dance of Eternity
My ranking: #61

This one was right next to Erotomania in my list. Both of them have a lot of standout sections. Erotomania has a clearer overall flow, but I think there is a logic to The Dance of Eternity, although it takes a while for it to reveal itself. The ragtime section is an awesome "only in Dream Theater" moment.

Also, I simply can't listen to this one and not listen to One Last Time.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 09, 2022, 11:22:19 PM
48 the Killing Hand #19
47 Dance of Eternity #42

As I mentioned before, the Killing Hand has together with a Savior in the Square, the most beautiful intro of their whole catalog. The Killing Hand is my iPhone tune as well and it makes I don’t wanna answer the call, but keep listening to this tune. Gorgious, wonderful piece and the first song with different titled segments, if I am not mistaken. Even though it’s #19, it is very close to my all time top 10.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 10, 2022, 02:27:51 AM
I'll be the first to say that I find The Dance of Eternity to be extremely overrated. I mean, it's good (I had it ay #76), but out of context of the album and as a separate track it kind of sucks. It's this over-endulgent technical wank-fest, which is impressive (and fun to play on a guitar), but not a song I often want to listen to. On my list I actually had 7(!) instrumentals ranked higher than The Dance of Eternity. That includes Stream of Consciousness (I had it at #40), which I consider their second best instrumental track and - like HOF - the best thing on Train of Thought.

I had the Killing Hand at #26, mostly based on the fantastic rendition on Live at the Marquee. Looking at some of the songs I placed even higher, on a different day it might have ended up in my top 20 even. The Killing Hand is a prototype Dream Theater epic track, as far as I'm concerned. A lot of later stuff can be traced back to this song.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 10, 2022, 04:36:07 AM
I'll be the first to say that I find The Dance of Eternity to be extremely overrated. I mean, it's good (I had it ay #76), but out of context of the album and as a separate track it kind of sucks. It's this over-endulgent technical wank-fest, which is impressive (and fun to play on a guitar), but not a song I often want to listen to. On my list I actually had 7(!) instrumentals ranked higher than The Dance of Eternity. That includes Stream of Consciousness (I had it at #40), which I consider their second best instrumental track and - like HOF - the best thing on Train of Thought.

I had the Killing Hand at #26, mostly based on the fantastic rendition on Live at the Marquee. Looking at some of the songs I placed even higher, on a different day it might have ended up in my top 20 even. The Killing Hand is a prototype Dream Theater epic track, as far as I'm concerned. A lot of later stuff can be traced back to this song.

Just chiming in to say Dance of Eternity is amazing and not overrated.   If I had a choice for 10 listens between it and SOC I would go 9 Dance of Eternity and 1 SOC.

Different strokes for different folks.   
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 10, 2022, 04:46:46 AM
Just chiming in to say Dance of Eternity is amazing and not overrated.   If I had a choice for 10 listens between it and SOC I would go 9 Dance of Eternity and 1 SOC.

Well, I would probably go for 5 listen to each track and this is a strange way of comparing songs, so I don't know what you're on about. I also wrote that I think that in the context of the album, it's a good track and that I find it overrated when viewed away from the album. I think Stream of Consciousness is a better standalone song; TDOE relies on themes and motifs from Metropolis as well as the rest of SFAM to make it work. And again, in context of the album it's an impressive technical showcase. As a composition alone, Stream of Consciousness works better I believe.

Yet Erotomania is my highest ranked DT instrumental, so what do I know.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Lonk on January 10, 2022, 06:26:41 AM
SoC >> TDoE (Objectively of course :biggrin:). TDoE is great for what it tries to accomplish within the album, but to me, SoC has better composition and writing.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 10, 2022, 06:40:59 AM
The Killing Hand (#87)
Great song and Wim pointed out something I don't see mentioned very often: that intro on the studio version is really gorgeous.
TDOE (#14)
My favorite DT instrumental. Indeed, it's more like a giant instrumental passage of a song than a proper song, but every bit of it is totally amazing! :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: 425 on January 10, 2022, 08:11:20 AM
Just chiming in to say Dance of Eternity is amazing and not overrated.   If I had a choice for 10 listens between it and SOC I would go 9 Dance of Eternity and 1 SOC.

Well, I would probably go for 5 listen to each track and this is a strange way of comparing songs, so I don't know what you're on about. I also wrote that I think that in the context of the album, it's a good track and that I find it overrated when viewed away from the album. I think Stream of Consciousness is a better standalone song; TDOE relies on themes and motifs from Metropolis as well as the rest of SFAM to make it work. And again, in context of the album it's an impressive technical showcase. As a composition alone, Stream of Consciousness works better I believe.

Yet Erotomania is my highest ranked DT instrumental, so what do I know.

I certainly agree with this. TDOE is almost a cathartic moment in the full album experience, whereas on its own it can feel somewhat unsatisfying, sort of like if someone plucked the instrumental section from Metropolis or another DT song and set it down on its own.

Personally, I tried to rank the songs based on how much I enjoy listening to them when I listen to them, which is usually in the full-album context, so songs from SFAM and TA got the benefit of it when they're "better in context." If I didn't use context as a factor, I would have put TDOE probably 10 or so spots below Erotomania, instead of one spot above it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 10, 2022, 09:16:38 AM
I’m gutted.  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 10, 2022, 09:18:08 AM
I'd guess I've listened to TDOE way more often isolated on its own than in the context of the full album. I don't revisit SFAM as a whole very often to be honest, but this is one track I would definitely seek out on its own. I agree TDOE is a wank fest, but it's an example of good wankery IMO. It's something you listen to to be blown away by the musicianship. But it doesn't go as far over the top as some subsequent instrumental sections the band have done, as it seems like they were constantly trying to one up themselves instrumentally. TDOE is kind of like the boiling point for wankery. Anything higher and you get a mess.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 10, 2022, 09:21:34 AM
I'll be the first to say that I find The Dance of Eternity to be extremely overrated. I mean, it's good (I had it ay #76), but out of context of the album and as a separate track it kind of sucks. It's this over-endulgent technical wank-fest, which is impressive (and fun to play on a guitar), but not a song I often want to listen to. On my list I actually had 7(!) instrumentals ranked higher than The Dance of Eternity. That includes Stream of Consciousness (I had it at #40), which I consider their second best instrumental track and - like HOF - the best thing on Train of Thought.

I 100% agree! (#72 for me)

It sounds more like the instrumental section of a song a-la Metropolis, rather than a self-sustaining instrumental independent song...(no real lead motives, no real guitar solo, ...), and there is not a single autonomous "nice melody" in there...it's just a collection of cool riffs pasted together.

Fun, interesting, but very far from being perfect.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 10, 2022, 04:23:03 PM
48 The Killing Hand
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (TAC)


Not surprisingly, this is the highest ranked song from the debut.  Great song for sure.


Back when I got into DT (I&W Era) I had I&W and Live At The Marquee, and also tracked down a WDADU. I played the hell out of The Killing Hand. It is so freaking epic. That Marquee version is freaking incredible.
Along with the bootlegs that were coming out at the time, I listened to basically nothing but Dream Theater for about a year and a half.
I like the WDADRu version for sure, but the part right before the "Only a prophet..." part (where they extended it out with Jordan) plays so much better with what they did with Kev, where it stops on a dime on a keyboard effect. Incredible.

Yes, as Wim said, the original studio version has such a great intro. I saw them play this at 2 shows in 1992 and it made a huge impression.

I'm glad it's representing as WDADU's top track, but #48 is way too low IMHO.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: jammindude on January 10, 2022, 05:13:34 PM
#50. Stream of Consciousness - Me #33
#49. Pale Blue Dot - Me #116
#48. The Killing Hand - Me #35
#47. The Dance of Eternity - Me #71


I think SoC might be their best and most musical instrumental.  Great groove, fun to listen to. 

Pale Blue Dot just doesn't grab me at all.  Didn't make my top 100.   It just seemed like an unorganized mess the last time I heard it.

The Killing Hand is just classic.  Even in its original form I love it, but I agree that JLB made it his own and took it to a new level.

The Dance of Eternity has the title of being the most quintessential Dream Theater instrumental.  But it works better as part of the album.  And also, I can never unhear....."GNIP GNOP GNIP GNOP GNIP GNOP GNIP GNOP!!!"   :rollin :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Trav86 on January 10, 2022, 06:09:05 PM

The Dance of Eternity has the title of being the most quintessential Dream Theater instrumental.  But it works better as part of the album.  And also, I can never unhear....."GNIP GNOP GNIP GNOP GNIP GNOP GNIP GNOP!!!"   :rollin :rollin :rollin

I’m glad it’s not just me!! What about “what a, phenomenon” during the Fatal Tragedy instrumental bit?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 10, 2022, 06:14:31 PM
Today's songs got to these spots in very different ways.

46 The Great Debate
Appeared on 18 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 5 (Dream Team)


This finished at 46 despite being left off of eight lists.  Three top 10 finishes, and then three more in the top 20, helped a lot.  I had it at 66.  I have always thought that the intro of this song was totally awesome, but that the meat of the song is merely good. 


45 Panic Attack
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 11 (bosk1)


This one, meanwhile, got to 45 despite no top 10 finishes, but appearing on 24 of the 26 lists helped a lot.  I had it at 95.  Good songs, but this seems way too high, IMO.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 10, 2022, 07:28:54 PM
62 The Shattered Fortress #40

I am one of the few that enjoys the last song of the suite. The meaning is executed amazing. After the big self-reflection and asking of forgiveness of Repentance, we see the person now ready to live their sober life. The intro using The Glass Prison riff during II. Reflections lyrics and using the sort of same vocal style, calls back to those lyrics in "the distant oasis before me", the person is now there. Then it going from the amazing solo into The Glass Prison first verse riff is such an adrenaline rush, which is perfect for describing the Freedom of becoming sober. XI. Receive recalls those two verses of This Dying Soul and The Root of All Evil, which to me is executed well to show the person willing to receive the advice and guidance from the 12 steps to help them live and be all they can be. Which ends with the person willing to be the helping hand for others that are trying to break their glass prison, to help them shatter the fortress. I also like how it ends with the intro to The Glass Prison, the This Dying Soul intro, and the drums and the synth sounds of The Root of All Evil intro. (This ended up being longer than I thought,  :biggrin:  )

61 Peruvian Skies (Did Not Rank)

I first thought this song was okay. I always felt it's Dream Theater's Metallica song, meaning it's their rocker song. I do not mind the live versions because it is an energetic song. It's a great live song, and if played I wouldn't be upset. I just do not enjoy it that much to want to listen to it, but since it is Dream Theater, I still will listen to the studio version occasionally.

59 (t) Lie (Did Not Rank)

Same thing with Peruvian Skies, I do not really seek out this song. I think this song has more of an impact as a follow-up to The Mirror on the album. The highlight of this song is the drumming, it's intense and it's what drives the song. The Breaking The Fourth Wall version really shows this with how Mangini drums the song, this is the version I prefer.

59(t) Lost Not Forgotten (Did Not Rank)

The song that I noticed JP has a favorite solo go to "riff". I hear it in Under A Glass Moons solo intro, this solo, and also in the outro solo of Space Dye-Vest live. Anyways, the song is still great. I like the intro use of the winds, makes me feel like I'm walking through the windy, desert sands, while seeing in the distance the city of Persia. I have to be in the mood to want to listen to it though. I am sure I will still enjoy if I heard it live.

58 Surrender to Reason #79

This sits at 79 for the way it plods along. This may be due to the production. If it had a different production like say, D/T or A View, than the song would be allowed to shine more. For me, the snare and the bass tone do not blend that well in certain parts of the song, where it would've been enhanced with a sharper snare for that bass tone. But there are sections where it does work and the production heightens the song, such as in the "Restless Angels" chorus. This is one song I do want to see live and to hear those sound differences might affect the presentation of the song.

57 Innocence Faded #87

I didn't enjoy this song at first, but it slowly grew on me. Mainly because of Score, and JLB hitting those high notes. I think this is a song that shows it's age and where it stands in time. The production of Awake has a sort of 90's tone and vibe to it, and Innocence Faded reflects this the most, in the sound and tone of the song and in it's lyrics. I like Kevin Moore's keyboard tone, JP's guitar tone, and the drumming for this song.

56 The Enemy Inside #99

Nearly missing my top 100, The Enemy Inside is an energetic song. It's pacing and onslaught represents the lyric topic well enough. It's sort of similar to how I view Lie and Peruvian Skies, but only this song is presented better for me. If anything, they should've just changed the snare tone for only this song because it works well for it, everything blends together good to bring that tense feeling. There are so many songs that have only been played on one tour that would be neat to hear, which I would not mind if the guys played a Mangini only set to play songs such as this one.

55 A Nightmare to Remember #49

I just love the atmosphere in this song. I also like the storytelling and use of scenery. When I went to the Distant Memories tour shows, I was not expecting this song and was pleasantly surprised to hear the intro thunder noises. I turned to my friend and said, "They're really going to be playing A Nightmare to Remember as their second song?" Hell Yeah", he looked at the set-list while I didn't and he kept telling me I will enjoy the set-list. It was great hearing JLB do the MP parts and he did an amazing job and I thought that's how they should've done it on the album.

54 6:00 (Did Not Rank)

This is a great drumming and rhythm song. Most of the songs that did not rank, I tend to not pick to listen to in my itunes or when out in town. When they come up on shuffle I may let them play, but this is another one I really have to be in the mood to listen to.

53 Sacrificed Sons #89

As I have said, my top 100 ranking really depended upon mood, especially for the songs beyond the top 50. This being one of them. It's not so much due to the topic matter, but more for the tempo of the music. The tempo fits the vibe and everything works. I enjoy it because the music fits the lyrics and the sound choices work.

52 Erotomania (Did Not Rank)

Unfortunately, I forgot to add this to my list and if I had remembered, it would've ranked in the top 20. What I love about this song is the keyboard tones Kevin Moore uses. When I first found out my dad had this cd in his cd rack, I instantly liked this song, I was around 14. The part I really enjoy and can put on repeat is at 2:38 - 4:22, I feel this could be the A Mind Beside Itself theme. I know this song started out as a riff introduced in Pull Me Under, but I like how they added that section described above to make it it's own song, which is where the main part of the song themes come in, and actually is what makes me enjoy the song, especially when listened to as a suite.

51 This Dying Soul (Did Not Rank)

I enjoy this song a lot, but just did not feel it enough at the time to rank it. I like how it transitions from As I Am and from The Glass Prison.  In regards to The Glass Prison, it comes off as a continuation of the music, which is what they did live when I saw them on the Gigantour, I wasn't into the band as much and only knew this one from Live at Budakon, never heard The Glass Prison yet, and was amazed and snapped that they flawlessly transition into This Dying Soul. I like crossfades and transitions like that in music.



Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 10, 2022, 07:42:13 PM
I have The Great Debate at 55. It’s not one I listen to often, but it surprised me a bit the last time I did. I like it instrumentally, and I think the lyrics and vocal melodies hold it back a bit. It’s one that would have been cool as just an instrumental track (probably edited down a bit) with just the news clips to illustrate the stem cell debate.

Panic Attack is one of my least favorite DT songs, so it wasn’t rated.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 10, 2022, 08:44:25 PM
The Great Debate keeps 6D side one from being in the top 3 or 4 single discs the band has released. That song is a slog, the intro alone is a pain to sit through - I hate all those vocal clips - and nothing that follows is much better.

I love Panic Attack. #32
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 10, 2022, 08:47:52 PM
50 Stream Of Consciousness (Did Not Rank)

Another one I missed while arranging my list around. It would've sat nicely at number 15. This is my favorite Dream Theater instrumental, and it's due to the Budakon version and how that live albums relates to my life. But, what I really enjoy about it is the key, chord progression, and the main melody. I felt it fitting for the album as well, sort of being the centerpiece of the entire album, before concluding with the grand epic. I enjoy the bass and the drum work overall, which is where I also became a fan of John Myung and Mike Portnoy as a rhythm section.

49 Pale Blue Dot #90

I enjoy the atmosphere, and the way the tone gives off this mystical sort of existential vibe. I like the song structure and how the song flows as if it's a satellite drifting away from Earth. I like the intensity of the song, it was awesome live and sounded way better in person than it does on the dvd.
 
48 The Killing Hand (Did Not Rank)

A song that did not rank, but I do enjoy it. I prefer the live at Bucharest version the most. The energy of this version is great. I prefer the album introduction. Although, I do love Another Hand and it's a really beautiful musical interlude. This is one song where it gradually evolved into an even better epic than what is heard on their debut. For that reason, it's why I enjoy it. Even though it's not ranked, I consider it an amazing song.

47 The Dance of Eternity (Did Not Rank)

This is an awesome, musically complex song. It's great as it represents, "Love" as "Love is the dance of eternity", which this instrumental recalls the most of Metropolis Pt.1. I like how they based it around the instrumental of that song and made it just as complex. I like it's representation in the story of the love affair and the situation it causes. I didn't rank it because as a stand-alone song, it's alright. It was amazing live and to see it within the context of the story, and also to hear it followed by One Last Time as heard on the album. If I could rank it that way, based on Scenes, I would rank it a tad higher than where I ranked One Last Time.

46 The Great Debate #23

Mine was almost in the top 20  :biggrin: . There's a reason why I consider 6DOIT my favorite Dream Theater album, this song is one of those reasons. There's a lot I could say about this song, but I will keep it short. I like the symbolism of the panning of the lyrics and the samples in the left and the right. The atmosphere created in the introduction is very existential and creates that sort of vibe, it's an unsure, tense, sort of tone. The premise of "Moral guilt and science" colliding is a big reason I like the song. They do a great job of bringing that vibe to the song and relating it to the lyrics this way. You could say we are experiencing this very premise right now with what is going on, as many people are having The Great Debate right now, the bridge says it with, "Miracle potential, sanctity of life, faced against each other, we're divided." and I love how they present this musically, lyrically, and how JLB sings those lyrics. Then we get the instrumental ending which is also amazing as it sets the tone for how we are divided in this premise of "moral guilt and science" colliding in certain situations. Ending with the samples is a great artistic choice as it shows how even though they present the questions in the song, there are still debates and questions within this world amongst wheter these scientific advancements are ethical or moral.

45 Panic Attack #84

The energy and the beat in the verses create this sense of an odd pulsating heart beat, the rhythm of the lyrics also creates this tense moment. I find it kind of interesting how Never Enough gets flack for sounding like Muse, yet nothing is said much of Panic Attack, I hear a lot of Muse influence in this song as well, but it's not as obvious of a nod to a song as Never Enough is. It takes some structure and style similarities in the bass, rhythm from Hysteria, and also in the vocals sung in the chorus of Panic Attack. With regards to Panic Attack, they turn up the tempo, and we get an even more hysterical piece that has turned into panic. I really want to hear this song with Mangini, and sort of hope they play it this coming tour.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 10, 2022, 08:56:52 PM
I'm the opposite of all you people. You could drop TDOE from SFAM and it wouldn't make a difference to the story. It's fine as a stand alone.

Also, yes, this:

45 Panic Attack #84

The energy and the beat in the verses create this sense of an odd pulsating heart beat, the rhythm of the lyrics also creates this tense moment. I find it kind of interesting how Never Enough gets flack for sounding like Muse, yet nothing is said much of Panic Attack, I hear a lot of Muse influence in this song as well, but it's not as obvious of a nod to a song as Never Enough is. It takes some structure and style similarities in the bass, rhythm from Hysteria, and also in the vocals sung in the chorus of Panic Attack. With regards to Panic Attack, they turn up the tempo, and we get an even more hysterical piece that has turned into panic. I really want to hear this song with Mangini, and sort of hope they play it this coming tour.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 10, 2022, 08:58:09 PM
46 The Great Debate #23

There's a lot I could say about this song, but I will keep it short.

Too bad they couldn't  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 10, 2022, 09:29:41 PM
46 The Great Debate #23

There's a lot I could say about this song, but I will keep it short.

Too bad they couldn't  :biggrin:

 :rollin
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 10, 2022, 10:13:09 PM

I am behind.

54 6:00 -  48...When I first heard Awake, I was like "is this DT?  The singer is not the same! :D. " It was so edgy and different. But I always skipped 6:00. I thought the intro was weird. As a bit of time went on, I really just listened. And it got me! Such a groovy and fun song. I love samples.

53 Sacrified Sons 17. Again one of my first favorites. I just couldn't get over what cool music I had come across! Story telling and all the heavy, musical fun stuff. I was really getting into James Labrie.

52 Erotomania. not rated. I don't get this song. I skip. I did give it a listen the other day just because of this. It maybe could grow a bit.

51 This Dying Soul  not rated. Just liked other songs more.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 11, 2022, 05:50:08 AM
Ben_Jamin, Panick Attack live with MM:
https://youtu.be/AJBKry9KEMA
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Dream Team on January 11, 2022, 07:43:26 AM
Yeah I had TGD super high. Love that instrumental section and probably my favorite MP drumming.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 11, 2022, 08:20:47 AM
46 The Great Debate (#47)
I love this song, the drumming (one of the most creative MP ever written), the instrumental (also the bass is amazing the entire song), the atmosphere, the theme... as a minor flaw, I still think this song sounds a bit long to get through.

45 Panic Attack (#22)
I think this one could be an amazing single as a first taste of Octavarium. A perfect heavy/fast DT song with a lot of classic DT elements. I hear Muse's influence on this song, but not like if DT was trying to redo a specific Muse song, like in Never Enough. I think that's why it gets less criticism.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 11, 2022, 08:50:05 AM
Yeah I had TGD super high. Love that instrumental section and probably my favorite MP drumming.

Even higher than me! I was one of the 'top 10' people as well. The Great Debate ranked #7 on my list and it wouldn't have surprised me if that were the highest rank, so I'm pleasantly surprised others put it up high in their lists as well. Needless to say, I would have loved this track to end up even higher than it did, but in the top 50 is probably as good as it gets. If Six Degrees will be featured in full, it's a shame that this fantastic track will end up as the lowest ranked of the album. I think it's by far the best on SDOIT and (well, you can guess by my ranking it high) a top 10 DT song.

Panic Attack on the other hand.. I was one of the 2 people that didn't rank it. On my list using the ranking engine, it spat it out at #142. I do not get it, I find almost everything about the song annoying. It's one of a few Dream Theater songs I actually do not enjoy at all. But alright, others do like it, so I'll leave it at that :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: 425 on January 11, 2022, 10:06:35 AM
Interesting, two songs that would not have made it anywhere near here for me.


46. The Great Debate
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #117)

This song is in my "good but doesn't stand out" range, and while I'm not surprised to see it on the list, I'm a bit surprised to see it this high.

I like this song, and I think it has a lot of great individual parts. I enjoy listening to it. But I'm in the camp that thinks it meanders a bit, without really having a compelling structure to justify its 13 minutes. And I'm in the camp that finds the samples a little tiresome.


45. Panic Attack
My ranking: #79

I think this is a pretty cool song, although definitely not top 50 for me. I think there's an excellent pairing of music and lyrics here, not just generally speaking, but on the particular sections—"Rapid heartbeat pounding through my chest" comes with fitting music," as does "A stifling surge, shooting through all my veins." I also find it cool that the keyboards are really prominent despite how heavy the song is, and really add some air and melody.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 11, 2022, 11:01:57 AM
Ben_Jamin, Panick Attack live with MM:
https://youtu.be/AJBKry9KEMA

I've seen that video. I mean I want to hear it live and hear how it sounds in a live setting with Mangini. The low ends of the drumming don't really come out in the live recordings, Distant Memories has great drums though that are close to the live sound.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 11, 2022, 12:25:05 PM
46 the Great Debate #-
45 Panic Attack #34

The Great Debate, what to say about it. It's probably amongst my ten least favorite Dream Theater songs, definitely worst track of Six Degrees for me. I very much follow it's perspective and their point of view, but if I wanna dive in a debate, I'll use other devices than my recordplayer. Spinning a vinyl under the needle recommence I want to be carried away musically, not in a clone-debate. Dream Theater is able to make ethical statements which I adore as a musical piece, like Sacrified Sons. Or even In the Name of God. But this. Nop.

As mentioned above (or below, depending on your settings)... Panic Attack is merely influenced by Muse as well. I gave Octavarium a spin today and those were my exact thoughts also. But I don't care that much, since I used to listen to Muse and I really like Panic Attack. Myung strikes so hard during the intro, it's almost filthy.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 11, 2022, 01:13:03 PM
50 Stream Of Consciousness - Not Rated. I don't enjoy the instrumentals as much as with vocals. I would usually prefer The Astonishing songs to most.


49 Pale Blue Dot -  46.   I want to like it more than I do.  But it was very enjoyable live.
 
48 The Killing Hand  - Not Rated


47 The Dance of Eternity  - 69. I have come to like it more and more. It used to be what I skipped on Scenes, but it really has all the themes and fun woven into it. I thinking watching the Mangini tryout added to it as well.


46 The Great Debate  - 26.  I really dig this one.  I love them doing a political song, but not choosing a side. I would be annoyed if they did. As I have said before, I enjoy samples and this was done so interestingly.


45 Panic Attack  - 79. I like the lyrics and enjoy it when I listen to it.  I get perturbed as it seems like when DT come on the radio, its always this song. (But recently we have gotten The Alien, which was great...Why not IM..?)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: jammindude on January 11, 2022, 05:22:17 PM
46. The Great Debate - Me #102
45. Panic Attack - Me #47

The Great Debate was my least favorite from SDOIT from the day it came out. The build up is pretty cool, but the "Life to save life" chorus just never did it for me.  So it's like a build up into a disappointment. 

Panic Attack is a perfect marriage of music and subject matter.  Brilliantly executed!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 11, 2022, 07:31:02 PM
Today, we get two songs neither of which finished in anyone's top 10!

44 Another Day
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 16 (HOF)


This is the first song from Images & Words in the top 100!  Such a great song, one I had at 26.  Love the sax, love the guitar solo, love JLB's vocal performance, etc. Pretty much everything about this song is perfect.


43 Fall into the Light
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 11 (DragonAttack)


Another killer song!  This was my 2nd highest ranked song from the Mangini era; I had it at 31. That middle section manages to scream Metallica without sounding derivative. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 11, 2022, 07:38:13 PM
I was worried I might have had Another Day too low at 16.  There was a time it would have been top 5 probably. It was the song from DT that really hooked me and made me think there was something really special and unique about them. I think it’s just one of those songs I’ve played so much that it’s lost some impact (as with a lot of I&W really). At any rate, I think 44 is way too low, but that’s to be expected with ballads I guess.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 11, 2022, 08:41:21 PM
44 Another Day #74

This song is an example of one that jumps around a lot in my rankings. If I were to rank right now, it'd be higher up in the 40's range. It's a fantastic ballad that is of it's time. Kevin Moore's keyboard tones are why I think it sounds the way it does. I have no problem with it and actually enjoy it. It's one of those Dream Theater songs that doesn't quite sound the same without Kevin Moore, to me anyways. I love the build-up and think it's among their best build-ups.

43 Fall Into The Light #53

It's a great song eclipsed by the other songs on an amazing album. What I enjoy the most about Metallica are their use of arpeggios, in songs like Call of Kthulu, Welcome Home(Sanitarium), and especially in Unforgiven. The best thing about Fall Into The Light is how they capture that same atmosphere and vibe from the Unforgiven and expand upon it by making it a live song. The middle section is meant to be sung live, and it works best when it is sung live. I heard it best in Arizona more so than in Denver. I am warming up to this song the more I listen to it, and seeing it live helped a lot. I wouldn't mind at all if they chose to play this again for this upcoming tour.


Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 11, 2022, 08:58:18 PM
I always thought that Panic Attack would make great entrance music for a wrestler.

Another Day is great though I don't have it quite that high.

Fall into the Light is also great, and looking at my list I have it in the 60s. Wouldn't have thought it would have fallen that low using the ranking engine.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 11, 2022, 09:53:26 PM
45. Another Day  - didnt make my top 100. Its beautiful and a nice song. A ballad, and I dont have an emotional attachment to it, so again, just want to listen to other songs more.

44. Fall Into the Light.  - 35...Like this one!  I could not wait to hear this live! The solo is one of those that really gets me. I wanted it to be longer. Listening to Distant Memories, and hearing the crowd sing the middle, (I was there! ) was so good.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Lonk on January 12, 2022, 07:13:02 AM
I have to admit, I do not enjoy Fall Into the Light as much as others do (it did not rank for me, by far my least favorite on that album).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 12, 2022, 09:12:36 AM
44 Another Day #83

This was the second DT song I've heard and quite surprised me after hearing PMU because the difference of styles. But I loved its pop sensibilities right away!

43 Fall Into The Light #79

To me it's where D/T really begins! Another Metallica/DT esque song that really works all the way through. The acoustic part, the organ solo and that final guitar solo are amazing!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 12, 2022, 10:58:50 AM
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1.   There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands.   I just can't stomach it being #1 haha. 

I still like it though, just not top 10.   That song is... Octavarium.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 12, 2022, 11:03:09 AM
It wasn't my #1, but let's just say that it was extremely high on my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 12, 2022, 11:05:07 AM
If my #1 DT song ends up in the Top 5, I'll be satisfied.



But nobody else seems to enjoy The Hovering Soujourn, so I doubt it'll end up in the Top 5...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 12, 2022, 11:14:25 AM
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1.   There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands.   I just can't stomach it being #1 haha. 

I still like it though, just not top 10.   That song is... Octavarium.

I have it at 63.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 12, 2022, 11:19:37 AM
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1.   There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands.   I just can't stomach it being #1 haha. 

I still like it though, just not top 10.   That song is... Octavarium.

I have it at 63.

Er..that doesn't add up to 8.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 12, 2022, 11:26:13 AM
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1.   There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about, that song is... Octavarium.

It tops my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 12, 2022, 11:28:31 AM
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1.   There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands.   I just can't stomach it being #1 haha. 

I still like it though, just not top 10.   That song is... Octavarium.

I have it at 63.

Er..that doesn't add up to 8.

No nuggets on my list!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 12, 2022, 11:49:48 AM
Fall into the light: no rank! I really really love the middle section, but I find the rest of the song quite lame. I love Metallica, but I don't like Dream Theater mimicking them! (but I do love Dream Theater when they mimic Metallica that mimics Morricone!)

Antoher Day: 25. Just the perfect power-prog-rock ballad, with an amazing performance by James. It was my wife's cell ringtone for a few years...

As concerns my #1...it has a "v" in the title, but not an "m".

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 12, 2022, 12:02:22 PM
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1.   There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands.   I just can't stomach it being #1 haha. 

I still like it though, just not top 10.   That song is... Octavarium.

I have it at 63.
:mehlin
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 12, 2022, 12:03:23 PM
Fall into the light: no rank! I really really love the middle section, but I find the rest of the song quite lame. I love Metallica, but I don't like Dream Theater mimicking them! (but I do love Dream Theater when they mimic Metallica that mimics Morricone!)

Antoher Day: 25. Just the perfect power-prog-rock ballad, with an amazing performance by James. It was my wife's cell ringtone for a few years...

As concerns my #1...it has a "v" in the title, but not an "m".

I like the sound of that! and with Another Day being in your top 25 I think I know where your head is at.   If so, I approve that!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 12, 2022, 02:55:42 PM
Fall into the light: no rank! I really really love the middle section, but I find the rest of the song quite lame. I love Metallica, but I don't like Dream Theater mimicking them! (but I do love Dream Theater when they mimic Metallica that mimics Morricone!)

Antoher Day: 25. Just the perfect power-prog-rock ballad, with an amazing performance by James. It was my wife's cell ringtone for a few years...

As concerns my #1...it has a "v" in the title, but not an "m".

I'd expect Learning to Live will top a few lists.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 12, 2022, 02:57:20 PM
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1.   There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands.   I just can't stomach it being #1 haha. 

I still like it though, just not top 10.   That song is... Octavarium.

I have it at 63.

This blows my mind.  But I have TDS as number 1 so I'll shut up.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 12, 2022, 03:13:08 PM
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1.   There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands.   I just can't stomach it being #1 haha. 

I still like it though, just not top 10.   That song is... Octavarium.

I have it at 63.

This blows my mind.  But I have TDS as number 1 so I'll shut up.

I get why people like Octavarium. It has are some really cool parts. But I'm surprised it isn't more divisive than it seems to be. It has some parts that come off to me as unintentionally comedic, including the name itself which always made me face palm a bit.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 12, 2022, 03:39:39 PM
Of four songs I expect to rank pretty high, two were not on my list. One was at 99 and one at 43.


Another Day I had at #33, so its placement here feels slightly too low. I had Fall Into the Light at #88. A top 50 DT song definitely isn't right, but apparently it is in this list :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 12, 2022, 04:04:37 PM
46 The Great Debate
I had this at #94


This isn't really one of my go to songs. For some reason it seems like a lot to get through. It's really not and there's nothing I don't like about it.


45 Panic Attack
I had this at #30

Great tune. Love to air drum to it. The instrumental section is ecxellent, closing out with the Maiden section. Sen this live a couple of times and it never disappoints.



44 Another Day
I had this at #59

Been listening a lot to the I&W live Era this week. I didn't rate Another Day as high, but it's an excellent song. James is spectacular on it. He even hangs quite well on the live versions from this era. It's a beautiful piece of music. I feel like This Is The Life came from a similar place.


43 Fall into the Light
I had this at #21

One of my favorite MM Era tracks. Hell, it's one of my favorite DT tracks. It's heavy, but not to heavy. The middle part is great and JP rips this up, especially in the outro.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 12, 2022, 07:33:49 PM
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1.   There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands.   I just can't stomach it being #1 haha. 

I still like it though, just not top 10.   That song is... Octavarium.

I have it at 63.

And that wasn't even the lowest placement that Octavarium got...

But hey, let's wait till it gets featured to really debate it, eh? :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 12, 2022, 07:40:30 PM
Today's two!!

42 Hell’s Kitchen
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 7 (AnotherDimension)


I had this at 24, so naturally I think 42 is way too low.  How this was left off six lists is a total mystery to me.


41 These Walls
Appeared on 21 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 5 (marztacy)


Good song, but this feels waaaaaaaaaaaay too high.  I had it at 98. 

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 12, 2022, 07:48:09 PM
Hell's Kitchen
I didn't rate this. I don't know. I think it builds nicely, but it feels incomplete. I honestly cannot understand how high this is ranked.



41...These Walls
I had this at #68, but even that seems high. I had just watched Romeavariun in the days before ranking and I quite enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 12, 2022, 07:55:42 PM
I had Hell’s Kitchen at 8, but I’m thrilled to see I wasn’t the high person on it! I wouldn’t have expected a top 50 finish for it, really, so 42 is a pleasant surprise. Definitely my favorite DT instrumental. So much atmosphere in the first half, and one of my favorite moments from JP. It’s also one of my favorite MP drum parts. I feel like FII is the last album where he really seemed to map out and orchestrate his drum parts. This one is just really well put together and fun to watch him play on his instructional video.

I have These Walls down at 74. It’s an inoffensive but totally vanilla rock song by DT standards. For comparison, I have the much more maligned You Not Me at 58. It’s hard for me to imagine it outpacing songs like 6:00 and Innocence Faded by so much, but the people have spoken! I guess the one somewhat interesting thing about it is the kind of Police-like verses, which is kind of unique in terms of DT songs at least.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 12, 2022, 08:04:40 PM
These walls at 41 is way too high!   I know people like it though so I’m not that surprised.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 12, 2022, 10:38:49 PM
My Hell's Kitchen story... So the first time I watched the Budokan DVD, and they got to the Instrumedley, I thought it was awesome. I was loving the video and this was sounded like it was going to be a great addition. Then they got to some weird-ass songs I didn't recognize, because I didn't listen to LTE. I think I had to find out from the net what they were). Then they played another song I didn't know, but it sounded awesome and I wondered what the heck it was. Then I saw the FII album cover on the stage video screen and thought "Is this song from FII?!" It had been so long since I listened to that album, and when I did I only listened to a couple songs, I didn't even recognize HK. Now I like it, it's just an average instrumental wedged in the middle of the worst part of a bottom tier album. #80

These Walls is mundane, if offensive. Didn't make my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 12, 2022, 11:36:58 PM
Hell's kitchen: 57. Very cool moments within, but overall it sounds a bit incomplete....but that makes sense, it was supposed to be a part of another song...

These walls: no rank. An average Muse song, I barely hear Dream Theater in there...

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 12, 2022, 11:55:58 PM
These walls: no rank. An average Muse song, I barely hear Dream Theater in there...

This comment makes absolutely no sense. Do you even know what Muse sounds like, or is it the cool thing to randomly compare every song on Octavarium to that band now?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 13, 2022, 04:24:55 AM
These walls: no rank. An average Muse song, I barely hear Dream Theater in there...

This comment makes absolutely no sense. Do you even know what Muse sounds like, or is it the cool thing to randomly compare every song on Octavarium to that band now?

He must be talking about Never Enough.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Lonk on January 13, 2022, 06:45:12 AM
These walls: no rank. An average Muse song, I barely hear Dream Theater in there...

This comment makes absolutely no sense. Do you even know what Muse sounds like, or is it the cool thing to randomly compare every song on Octavarium to that band now?

Someone pointed out on another thread how These Walls actually sounds like Linkin Park's From the Inside, and I cannot unhear it now. So if anything, is more of a tribute to LP than Muse.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 13, 2022, 07:05:28 AM
44 Another Day #36
43 Fall into the Light #48
42 Hell's Kitchen #28
41 These Walls #50

Not including Hell's Kitchen on a top 100 list is surprising for me. It is such a wonderful piece. As a middle-part of something bigger, but also is gorgious on its own.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 13, 2022, 07:08:35 AM
50.  Stream of Consciousness (NR)  I rated all their other instrumentals quite highly.  I enjoy the very rare listen, but it should have been streamed down a couple of minutes.

49. Pale Blue Dot (#34)  Great ending to one of my favorite DT albums.  One of their few songs that perhaps could have been a bit longer, but no complaints with the end product.

48. The Killing Hand (#96)   for the 'Marquee' version.  Loved reading the background story in TAC’s review. 

47. The Dance of Eternity (#25)  I finally purchased SFAM and ‘Live Scenes’ in ’06, a few weeks before ‘Score’ (I still hadn’t heard FII or ToT or Budokan).  Not a bad month!!!  Other than a mellow DT disc I made for my wife, I could probably count on one hand the amount of times I’ve listened to the studio version of TSCO without hearing this and ‘One Last Time’ together. Thus its high rating.  The piano at 2:33 made me think of the 1920s.  Subtle references to ‘Metropolis’ are fine.  When I hear it now, thanks (?) to ‘Instrumedley’, my mind plays tricks and I almost expect to hear the ending from ‘Hell’s Kitchen’. 

46. The Great Debate (NR) Six Degrees was my first DT purchase in ’03. Disc One was a rough introduction.  Not a fan of the samples and lyrics.  Deleted from my Disc One back then.  Years later, I came across a ‘karaoke’ version, and then this much better version.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYgAGFLHwHg     Replacing the original makes for an interesting evening listen

45. Panic Attack (#40)  I often listen to this, NE, and SS as if it is side two of a vinyl.  Song fits title, title fits song.  On its own on a 'best of', I snip it at 7:30 to cut out the ‘whatever’ ending. 

44. Another Day (#19)  a song that goes from a '10' to an '11' from 2:15 to 3:25.  Wow, that voice!  One of my most memorable moments from the I&W anniversary tour.

43. Fall Into The Light (#11)  the first time where all aspects of a song fell into place from the beginning to the end since ADToE. Blame the instrumental section for me rating it so high.  At first listen to the LP, this had to be that stop and take notice moment for everyone.  It is beautiful, haunting, then kicks axe,  The first best ‘mix’ of Mangini’s drums IMO.  Not sure where I will rate this years from now, but three years later, it still has that new car smell. ;)

42. Hell’s Kitchen (#27) very good on its own.  I ended up giving ‘Burning My Soul’ a crazy high rating just because of its inclusion in the demo.

41. These Walls (#21) I have TALW at 20, and IWBY at 22, so this makes some sense, right?  I always listen to these three together, hence the ratings.  I love MP’s use of cymbals during the main lyric segments.  Not the normal drum fills that one notices, but I did.  Subtle but not 'simple'.




Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 13, 2022, 08:12:24 AM

46. The Great Debate (NR) Six Degrees was my first DT purchase in ’03. Disc One was a rough introduction.  Not a fan of the samples and lyrics.  Deleted from my Disc One back then.  Years later, I came across a ‘karaoke’ version, and then this much better version.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYgAGFLHwHg     Replacing the original makes for an interesting evening listen


Thanks for sharing that instrumental version. Confirms my suspicions that I'd like TGD better as an instrumental! Probably needs something cut down from the middle because it's pretty long still, but there is a lot of cool stuff going on, including MP's drumming and JP's solo. Without the lyrics, it made me think more of Haken for some reason.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 13, 2022, 10:14:36 AM
42 Hell’s Kitchen (#41)
I think this instrumental is amazing and I like it much better outside Burning My Soul. By the way, to me, the biggest problem with the studio version of BMS is that they changed that amazing drumming in the chorus of the demo version.

41 These Walls (#24)
I've heard the Linkin Park song that has the comparisions, but I think These Walls is really better and still stays on its own. Well, needles to say due my ranking, I LOVE this song immensely! It has a very unique atmosphere in DT catalogue. The drums work is really great, with a lot of cymbals and space on the first verse and its repetitions. All the instrumentation has a lot of space with less notes and sounds great. Also, excellent outro!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 13, 2022, 10:52:56 AM
These walls: no rank. An average Muse song, I barely hear Dream Theater in there...

This comment makes absolutely no sense. Do you even know what Muse sounds like, or is it the cool thing to randomly compare every song on Octavarium to that band now?

Well...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KScEW5a_KGY (the riff) + https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2IuJPh6h_A (the pre chours of these walls)
You might legitimately disagree, but I do feel a strong influence

So
Yes, I do know Muse a lot
Yes, I do think that Never Enough is more than a simple "inspiration", even though I would not call it a plagiarism.
Yes, I do think that also These Walls is strongly influenced by Muse
Yes, Panick Attack has a Muse influence as well, to a lesser extent...

The whole writing process of Octavarium was deeply influenced by Muse (Absolution in primis), JP and MP made no mistery of it...

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 13, 2022, 11:03:47 AM
Yeah, I think those Muse-inspired riffs and bass tone were kind of all over Octavarium, including on These Walls. But I can hear the Lincoln Park feel to it as well.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 13, 2022, 11:20:06 AM
Yeah, I think those Muse-inspired riffs and bass tone were kind of all over Octavarium, including on These Walls. But I can hear the Lincoln Park feel to it as well.

Yes, also LP of course.

The reason why I don't love Octavarium as an album overall is because there are way too many influences and "quotes" in basically all the songs, including the title track.

BUT in the title track you have the 5 minutes of musical orgasm known as "Razor's Edge", so I forgive them...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 13, 2022, 12:19:49 PM
Yeah, I think those Muse-inspired riffs and bass tone were kind of all over Octavarium, including on These Walls. But I can hear the Lincoln Park feel to it as well.

Yes, also LP of course.

The reason why I don't love Octavarium as an album overall is because there are way too many influences and "quotes" in basically all the songs, including the title track.

BUT in the title track you have the 5 minutes of musical orgasm known as "Razor's Edge", so I forgive them...

I actually think that's the theme for the entire album, but more so theme of the Full Circle section of Octavarium (the song). The theme of bands starting out playing songs of their influences, creating their own "style" and becoming an influence for others to follow, and then coming full circle being influenced by other (sometimes newer) musicians. It's a reason for the lyrics referencing MP's major musical references with their song titles.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 13, 2022, 12:38:02 PM
Yeah, I think those Muse-inspired riffs and bass tone were kind of all over Octavarium, including on These Walls. But I can hear the Lincoln Park feel to it as well.

Yes, also LP of course.

The reason why I don't love Octavarium as an album overall is because there are way too many influences and "quotes" in basically all the songs, including the title track.

BUT in the title track you have the 5 minutes of musical orgasm known as "Razor's Edge", so I forgive them...

I actually think that's the theme for the entire album, but more so theme of the Full Circle section of Octavarium (the song). The theme of bands starting out playing songs of their influences, creating their own "style" and becoming an influence for others to follow, and then coming full circle being influenced by other (sometimes newer) musicians. It's a reason for the lyrics referencing MP's major musical references with their song titles.

I have never heard this before, but it actually makes that part of the song Octavarium make some sense.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: nick_z on January 13, 2022, 12:43:40 PM
I had Hell’s Kitchen at 8, but I’m thrilled to see I wasn’t the high person on it! I wouldn’t have expected a top 50 finish for it, really, so 42 is a pleasant surprise. Definitely my favorite DT instrumental. So much atmosphere in the first half, and one of my favorite moments from JP. It’s also one of my favorite MP drum parts. I feel like FII is the last album where he really seemed to map out and orchestrate his drum parts. This one is just really well put together and fun to watch him play on his instructional video.

Well, I could have written this myself! Hell's Kitchen is my favorite DT instrumental as well (going toe-to-toe with Ytse Jam, which I love for the youthful energy and, yes, the Rush influence  ;D). And you are spot on regarding the drum parts. I do, too, get the feeling that the compositional approach of MP and the band changed after FII. It brought lots of good things, of course, but it's also part of the reason I miss that era (including FII - imperfect as it is, it has SO many cool ideas)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 13, 2022, 12:59:49 PM
I had Hell’s Kitchen at 8, but I’m thrilled to see I wasn’t the high person on it! I wouldn’t have expected a top 50 finish for it, really, so 42 is a pleasant surprise. Definitely my favorite DT instrumental. So much atmosphere in the first half, and one of my favorite moments from JP. It’s also one of my favorite MP drum parts. I feel like FII is the last album where he really seemed to map out and orchestrate his drum parts. This one is just really well put together and fun to watch him play on his instructional video.

Well, I could have written this myself! Hell's Kitchen is my favorite DT instrumental as well (going toe-to-toe with Ytse Jam, which I love for the youthful energy and, yes, the Rush influence  ;D). And you are spot on regarding the drum parts. I do, too, get the feeling that the compositional approach of MP and the band changed after FII. It brought lots of good things, of course, but it's also part of the reason I miss that era (including FII - imperfect as it is, it has SO many cool ideas)

 :metal :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 13, 2022, 06:34:48 PM
I have never heard this before, but it actually makes that part of the song Octavarium make some sense.

‘Ceiling on the Seven Seas’ -Orchestral Manoevres in the Dark
‘Seize the Day’ -theme of A Change of Seasons
‘Day Tripper’ -song The Beatles
‘Per diem’ -Latin phrase meaning ‘each day’
‘Jack the Ripper’ -Morrissey, English singer and songwriter
‘Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens’ -ex-Judas Priest and Iced Earth singer
Owen Wilson -American actor, comedian
Wilson Phillips -American band
‘Supper’s Ready’ -song Genesis
‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ -song The Beatles
‘Diamond Dave’ -Dave Lee Roth’s nickname and album song.
‘Dave’s Not Here’ -Famous line from Cheech and Chong.
‘Here I Come to Save the Day’ -Mighty Mouse theme song.
‘Day for Night’ -album Spock’s Beard
‘Nightmare Cinema’ -Dream Theater playing swap instruments
‘The Cinema Show’ -album Genesis
‘Show Me the Way’ -song Styx
‘Get Back’ -song The Beatles
‘Home Again’ -Pink Floyd’s song Breathe (Reprise)
‘Flying Off the Handle’ -song Peter Blegvad, King Strut
‘Handle with Care’ -song Traveling Wilburys
‘Careful with that Axe, Eugene’ -instrumental piece Pink Floyd
‘Gene Gene the Dance Machine’ -television personality
‘Machine Messiah’ -album Yes
‘Light My Fire’ -song The Doors
‘Pinhead Gabba Gabba Hey’ -album The Ramones
‘Hey Hey, My My’ -song Neil Young
‘My Generation’ -song The Who
‘Home Again’ -Pink Floyd’s song Breathe (Reprise)

This is the hommage of the Full Circle part.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 13, 2022, 08:01:00 PM
Here are today's!!

40 Endless Sacrifice
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 12 (CoolChris, TAC)


I had this at 44, so this at 40 is fine by me.  Killer song, and that instrumental section is just bonkers. The latter part of it features some of my favorite drumming ever by Portnoy.  :metal :metal


39 Barstool Warrior
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 5 (toro)


This ended up at 38 for me when I did the ranking engine, which surprised me a little.  I guess I like it a lot more than I thought.  I still find the vocal section not quite as totally satisfying as it could have been, but everything else in the song is just so damn great.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 13, 2022, 08:17:56 PM
40 Endless Sacrifice
Highest Ranking: 12 (CoolChris, TAC)

Yeah, this has flirted with the Top 10 for years. I think this is a fantastic tune. I find the lyrics by JP really personal. Yes, Kev, the instrumental part is bonkers, and I've heard people criticize it for being out of place, but I couldn't disagree more.
Also, I love the Maiden part leading into to the "Over the distance..." part. Amazing.

39 Barstool Warrior
I had this at #57.

This is really good song. Just missed my Top 50, but I find it highly enjoyable.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: The Realm on January 13, 2022, 08:54:52 PM
This thread is awesome so well done to everyone who has contributed. I admire you all to be able to construct these lists, I always find rankings really tough!

Having said that I really love Endless Sacrifice (no idea where I would rank it though), just a really great song and the instrumental section is one of my favourites.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 13, 2022, 08:58:12 PM
Endless Sacrifice just barely made it onto my list at 98. Kind of a something had to go there situation.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 13, 2022, 09:03:17 PM
I love Endless Sacrifice. Obviously. That buildup into the final verse, and that verse itself, is a top 10 DT musical section for me.

I really liked Barstool Warrior when I first heard it. It's lost some luster now, as did most of that album, but I still have it in the 40s.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 14, 2022, 02:23:17 AM
Wow, those two are up high.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 14, 2022, 07:11:56 AM
I feel like we’ve reached the ranks where each song has something that’s “the best thing I’ve ever heard”, cause both of the songs have one - the last verse of Endless Sacrifice and first 90 seconds of Barstool Warrior are great. I had these at 24 and 22.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 14, 2022, 09:01:40 AM
Barstool Warrior seems a little high.

Endless Sacrifice is a weird one for me.  Hard to rank.  When I think about, I only think about songs I like better than it, or maybe some perceived weak spots.

But when I listen to it, I fucking LOVE it with a passion as bright as a thousand suns.

So yeah, it's probably ranked appropriately, as far as I can tell.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 14, 2022, 11:18:58 AM
Endless Sacrifice just barely made it onto my list at 98. Kind of a something had to go there situation.

100 for me...same story :)

I have a strange relationship with it, in my brain-memory it's mixed-up with Peruvian Sky....after the initial arpeggio I often swap the melody and the lyrics...

(I just listened to them now, and yes, the initial verses are REALLY similar...)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 14, 2022, 11:31:54 AM
40 Endless Sacrifice #31
39 Barstool Warrior #18

Barstool Warrior is without a doubt the best piece of Distance Over Time, to me. From the fine tune, solo's, the lyrics and LaBries vocals, to the beautiful page of the artbook. The track is just nearly perfect in every aspect.

This thread is awesome so well done to everyone who has contributed. I admire you all to be able to construct these lists, I always find rankings really tough!


I hear ye completely! Ranking tracks is so hard and depending on many varieties, each top 100 list I will make up, shows differences. Heck, I can't even rank the studioalbums like crafted in concrete. For example, the Astonishing and Awake were real slow growers on me, but both of them I consider amongst the best now. It's just in general, when I dig in an album, give it time to study both lyrics, writingsprocess (docu's) and songs, it usually will grow on me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 14, 2022, 11:46:23 AM
40 Endless Sacrifice
Highest Ranking: 12 (CoolChris, TAC)

Yeah, this has flirted with the Top 10 for years. I think this is a fantastic tune. I find the lyrics by JP really personal. Yes, Kev, the instrumental part is bonkers, and I've heard people criticize it for being out of place, but I couldn't disagree more.
Also, I love the Maiden part leading into to the "Over the distance..." part. Amazing.

39 Barstool Warrior
I had this at #57.

This is really good song. Just missed my Top 50, but I find it highly enjoyable.

I love that super high ranking for ES.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 14, 2022, 12:08:23 PM
40 Endless Sacrifice  - 50.  I used to not listen to it as much, but lately I have been really enjoying it.. Maybe it should be higher.  A love song, kind of a ballad and then it rocks! It is a great representation of Dream Theater!

39 Barstool Warrior  - 19.  This song is fantastic. The story, lyrics, vocals and the guitar..sigh..
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 14, 2022, 01:24:54 PM
40 Endless Sacrifice (#29) is a great homage to Metallica's complex ballads and the instrumental/solo section is really killer, DT on steroids! The live version with Mangini on LNF Archives is amazing.

39 Barstool Warrior (#31) is sooo good, it mixes very well The Astonishing melodies with a proggy approach. That beautiful  piano part is very 6 Degrees.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 14, 2022, 11:19:41 PM
I will list these two with a description.  Later on, when it gets down to #31, I'll just list them, but I wanted to go a bit in depth sooner.

40. Endless Sacrifice (NR) I’m mildly misophonic / phonophobic.   I am easily distracted / irritated / angered at various sharp or high pitched noises.  Or a simple whistle or clicking can distract me, get my heart beating faster, my blood pressure boiling, make me irritable, etc.   That point around the two minute mark of 'Lost Not Forgotten' for thirty seconds.......and........ that occasional guitar ‘pitch’  'pinch' '"honk"' in the choruses makes the song literally unlistenable for me.  I tried last night, and had to instantly stop.  The intro and various other parts I can skip to are indeed top notch. 

It really suxx that this song is literally painful for me to listen to.  And it has gotten worse since ToT was released.  At least in the last few years I know that the reason is not 'me', but what I was born with, or subjected to as an infant.

insert one big frowny face here

39. Barstool Warrior (#54) just a well crafted song with another Rush influence.  I get a smile when I think back to when we were making up titles, times, and topics when The Astonishing was announced and before it was released.  I joked that one song would be a cover of ZZ Top’s ‘Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers’.  Didn’t happen, but the next album had this title.  Coincidence? 😊

My powerful but decades old CD boombox out in my garage quit playing CDs eons ago, and was too old to play CDrs.  It does play cassettes.  I recorded D/T onto a 60 minute cassette when it was released, with this song as the end of side one, just so I could listen to it while I was out in the garage.  I have played at least one side of that cassette once or more a week when doing various carpentry tasks out there since that album was released. A great and proper ending to an 'album side', and simply makes me happy in spite of the story in the song.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 15, 2022, 03:40:22 AM
Had BW at 67.  39 is too high for my liking.

ES was at 21 on my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 15, 2022, 06:29:54 AM
Sorry for no update yesterday, had too much going on, but I will do two today.  :tup :tup

First two for today:

38 Overture 1928
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (DragonAttack)


This is another that seems criminally underrated (even by me, as I had it at 28), but I suspect that is because it is just a piece of the Scenes puzzle.  I do wonder how they would have ranked had this and the song that follows it been considered one song (since they seem to go together as one song, but are technically two separate ones).


37 Outcry
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 10 (erciccio)


On the flip side, I was and still am shocked by this one finishing this high.  I like it quite a bit, and it even made my top 100 (it was 98), but a top 40 DT song of all time? I don't see it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 15, 2022, 06:59:51 AM
38 Overture 1928 (#42) - Really great and I also hear it as one piece of music together with SDV. Just a thought, I love most of the instrumental overtures from prog rock in general, but I feel a bit like a "cheating" because they borrow the best themes on the album and make a song out of it. :D

37 Outcry (#90) - Really like the song, but I think it's really gold only from the instrumental section on.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 15, 2022, 07:42:36 AM
37 Outcry
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 10 (erciccio)


On the flip side, I was and still am shocked by this one finishing this high.  I like it quite a bit, and it even made my top 100 (it was 98), but a top 40 DT song of all time? I don't see it.

Not only a top 40 DT song, but top 20 (I had it at #17) and the best Mangini era song as far as I'm concerned. Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previously, and have praised it before. This is top-tier songwriting as far as I'm concerned and of one not all too many instances in Dream Theater's entire discography where I can hear actual conscious choices for where the music goes with regards to the lyrics. Quite often they seem 'tacked on top' of the already written music, for better or worse, whereas that's clearly not the case in Outcry. From the amazing instrumental section, the build-up in the first half to the chorus reprise in a different key. Man.. this song is gold. #37 is 20 places too low!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 15, 2022, 08:33:03 AM
I had these in sequence too, at #33 (1928) and #34 (Outcry). I agree 1928 feels underrated because of Scenes being so good as a whole. The 3 full length songs after 1928 are all in my top 10, so I probably subconsciously was trying to “be fair” by putting this one in the 30s.

Outcry is about right in the 30s too, also a really good song that is on an album with a couple of better ones. I think the production approach to ADToE hurts this one the most. Just doesn’t fit the song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 15, 2022, 09:19:43 AM
Have we had any song on all 26 lists yet? Is Outcry the most so far being on 25 of 26?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 15, 2022, 09:27:14 AM
I ranked Overture 1928 at 28 and Strange De Ja Vu was very close to it (also in my top 30). So maybe they would have bumped up a little bit combined, but I expect they would have fallen in the same range combined for me. Anticipation was so high for SFAM, as it was the first new DT album I bought at release. Overture 1928 really set the mood and atmosphere right at the start (or actually was a quick course correction after Regression had me like “what?”).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 15, 2022, 10:06:34 AM
Have we had any song on all 26 lists yet?

No.  Assuming I did not overlook something on the glance I just took, a grand total of nine songs appeared on all 26 lists. All of them rank in the top 16.  And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.

Is Outcry the most so far being on 25 of 26?

Yes.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 15, 2022, 10:08:18 AM
The ranking engine put Outcry at 81 in my list. No idea how that happened. When I scanned the completed list for any outliers, that was the one song which seemed way off. I should have corrected it, up to the 30s maybe. Great song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 15, 2022, 10:36:32 AM
#38. Overture. - 40. I love hearing Overture as it triggers me into Scenes. It's a feeling of excitement of what is to come! At the concerts, I felt it even more, as did the crowd. It's a great moment of anticipation! And then the last strum of the song...its about to begin!

#37 Outcry. - 20. So these 2 songs are off my 2 favorite albums. To me, there are 3 big songs on ADToE. This is one. It has everything I love about DT. Heavy, melodic, progressive, a story and JP's guitar! 

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 15, 2022, 12:01:00 PM
And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.

Have a hunch this involves me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 15, 2022, 01:26:53 PM
37 Outcry
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 10 (erciccio)


On the flip side, I was and still am shocked by this one finishing this high.  I like it quite a bit, and it even made my top 100 (it was 98), but a top 40 DT song of all time? I don't see it.

Not only a top 40 DT song, but top 20 (I had it at #17) and the best Mangini era song as far as I'm concerned. Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previously, and have praised it before. This is top-tier songwriting as far as I'm concerned and of one not all too many instances in Dream Theater's entire discography where I can hear actual conscious choices for where the music goes with regards to the lyrics. Quite often they seem 'tacked on top' of the already written music, for better or worse, whereas that's clearly not the case in Outcry. From the amazing instrumental section, the build-up in the first half to the chorus reprise in a different key. Man.. this song is gold. #37 is 20 places too low!

Well...this time we totally agree! #10 for me...
I would add that also the finale is amazing, they chose not to "resolve the tension", musically, because the Revolution was still in progress, with an uncertain outcome...
Pure genius
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 15, 2022, 02:00:57 PM
42 Hell's Kitchen #76

I first heard the outro on Live At Budakon. I loved the Tubular Bells in that outro, and was a bit disappointed that they were not included in the studio version. When I saw them live on the I&W&B tour and they started this song, I was happy. Until, the outro came up and JR did not add the Tubular Bells into his patch sounds, then I got sad. What makes this song for me is the build-up from the intro into the outro and those Tubular Bells add a lot to the impact of the outro. To me, those made the Hell's Kitchen outro inclusion in the Instrumedley have more of that grand finale impact, and I felt it would've worked fantastic for the entire song to be played with it. This is why I rank it at 76 and not higher.

41 These Walls #13

Octavarium was one of the first Dream Theater albums I had bought and it's grand nugget themes are a reason for me enjoying this album a lot. These Walls is great in how JP uses a baritone guitar tuned down to a step to achieve the low A. Which is the next key in the musical Octave (A big theme as well that is part of the albums namesake). This is a key that relates to me, and this song does relate to me a lot. The clean guitars and the distortion tone I find to be pretty soothing. The vocal melodies actually soar through the music and I love how they build-up into the chorus. I appreciate how simple this song is for DT, especially the guitar solo. This laid-back, simplistic, atmosphere makes me feel that it represents the person unable to tear the walls down, and you feel this pent up tension waiting to be released by tearing down the walls. It's a reason for me enjoying the outro a lot as that to me is like a person trying desperately to tear down the walls, like the sound of a sledgehammer pounding down the wall. (Which I just now realized can be related to the concept of Pink Floyd's The Wall...Damn Nuggets   :lol  )

40 Endless Sacrifice #43

So many songs have been made since I first heard this song. It used to be one of my top 10 songs, even sitting in the top 5 at some point. What I love about this song is the intro and the way it shifts from calm to chaotic. This shift represents the emotions of both who are experiencing a separation, not due to a bad relationship, but by careers, wars, whatever causes a couple to have to resort to long distance relationships. This song represents that Endless Sacrifice many people have when those moments of separation need to happen. The instrumental is fantastic live, and this is one song I knew of when I saw them on Gigantour, I was really happy they played it. I also enjoy how the instrumental flows into the next set of lyrics that talk about making this relationship make sense while living apart from on another. It's great that it ends on a more lighter note with the mid-pace heavy tempo, rather than going back to the same mood of the intro and verses before the instrumental.

39 Barstool Warrior #26

Almost making my top 25, and the top quarter of my top 100, Barstool Warrior is an excellent song. What's hilarious for me about it, is how it related to my real-life scenario at the time. I was literally that Barstool Warrior talking to his gin (In my case, it was whiskey). When the intro started on my first listen to Distance Over Time, I was happy that same mood and atmosphere of The Gift of Music was utilized again. That happy, uplifting sort of sound is a big reason why I love Dream Theater as musicians. The guitar solo in the intro are moments I highly enjoy from the band, it's a big reason for why I enjoy In The Presence of Enemies pt. 1 and The Alien. This song tells a story, and this story is uplifting. It's like these two broken souls meet up in these circumstances and both cry out their situations to another. Afterwards, both come to realize that "No one can save you, and there's no one to save", and that both now understand where they belong and leave the past behind and start a new life, the Barstool Warrior becoming sober and the Women in pain leaving her abusive husband (which is quite difficult for some women who have dependency issues, I have witnessed this dependency myself from some of my cousins, so I can relate to the women in the story this way). Sorry for the long response, but this a really great song, it is my second favorite from Distance Over Time, and is highly deserving of praise. I just wasn't feeling the song when I was ranking, but if you were to ask me now, It'd be up there, I have no idea why I ranked it so low, which I now feel should be higher in the top 10. Oh well...


38 Overture 1928 #57

I actually ranked this song right behind Strange Deja-Vu because of how they flow into one another, and are technically one single entity called a Scene. It was hard ranking this, but it and SDV ended up where they are as, while I enjoy scenes, there are more other songs I like better. It's a great song overall within the album and the story. It reminds me of how The Human Equation starts out as well, calm, serene, and then the next few tracks bring the listener into the story. That's good Rock Opera right there. This overture uses a lot of the themes from the album, and also this album in general has amazing melodies for it's themes. I find myself singing the vocal lines during the guitar lines in the song, and humming along. It's a great driving instrumental that showcases all the themes, which make me imagine Nicholas being under hypnosis, travelling through a time portal, seeing the scenes before he gets to the full scenario with Strange Deja-vu. I for one thought it was fantastic that the band decided to play SFAM in full for the D/T tour. Getting to see this entire album played by Mangini, and hearing it, also seeing it, in a different light due to the set-up and the video animations being completely different from Live Scenes, made it even more intriguing. I was glad to see it and this song was the moment where I said, "It's really happening, I'm seeing SFAM in it's entirety"...

37 Outcry #41

I am quite glad this song made it on the list higher than my ranking. It was a great song to hear when ADTOE first came out, and it made me happy with how it shifts moods, and incorporates the same sort of atmosphere that Endless Sacrifice does, and does not go back completely to the same mood as the intro and verses, but stays at a good, mid-pace towards the ending chorus. I like JR's use of Middle Eastern tones and scales to represent that area where the chaos in the instrumental is occurring. I like the outro lyrics as well with the chants, I think it's a great way to end the song about a call for resistance.


 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Dave_Manchester on January 15, 2022, 07:30:31 PM
Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previously
If possible can you post a link to that? I'm interested to read your thoughts on the song, because I agree, it's one of the band's very greatest masterpieces. Compositionally I think there's a case to be made that it's actually their finest moment. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 15, 2022, 08:32:34 PM
And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.

Have a hunch this involves me.

I’m confident I can guess the community’s Top 5, and while only one of those is in my personal top 5 the ones I’m thinking of are all in my top 20, so I can’t imagine which one you left off.

I’m guessing the song I think is most overrated is The Spirit Carries On, which I’ve got at 72, but I don’t think it made top 5.

39 Barstool Warrior #26…. That happy, uplifting sort of sound is a big reason why I love Dream Theater as musicians. …

Clipping this out of your post, I agree 110% about the bands overall sound and it’s also why I love them (above and beyond getting on board with I&W) - for me I hear it with About to Crash, which is held back in rank by the rule that 6D is a whole, but otherwise to me that’s their most uplifting sound and (on its own) easily would have been my #3.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 15, 2022, 08:37:19 PM
And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.

There's two songs I don't have in my Top 100 that are otherwise universally praised... I wonder if either of those made the Top 5. Guess we'll have to wait and see!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 15, 2022, 08:40:28 PM
As promised, two more today!!

35 (t) The Bigger Picture
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (Ben_Jamin)


I had this at 59, which is a little higher than I had it before doing the rankings engine.  Really good song, one that I feel is the 2nd best from the self-titled album behind Surrender to Reason.  I am a bit surprised this finished so far ahead of Surrender to Reason, to be honest.


35 (t) Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
Appeared on 21 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (HOF)


I had this at 12. Incredible song in every way imaginable.  I feel lucky to have seen this song played at three of the nine DT concerts I have seen.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 15, 2022, 09:05:34 PM
I’m shocked at how low Overture 1928 is.  Would have thought that would be guaranteed top 15.

An amazing song from start to finish and their best instrumental song imo.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 15, 2022, 09:12:44 PM
Lifting Shadows (and all of Awake) is peak JLB… I had at 50 but I probably underrate these more than I should.

No rating on The Bigger Picture… the title track is a good try, everything else is forgotten.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 15, 2022, 09:25:34 PM
Lifting Shadows is truly magnificent and one DT song I never get tired of. I love how unusual the structure of the song is, but it's all just flat out beautiful. Similar to 6:00, it's an example of prog at its best. The song just keeps adding different layers and textures, going through different tempos and building tension before finally blooming in the last chorus. This is also one of John Myung's finest moments both as a bass player and as a lyricist. And James really shines as well throughout. It's a total goosebumps type of song. Obviously I would have liked to see it finish higher, but 35 ain't too shabby.

Should also say, I have this at 4, but I could probably have put those 4 in any order on any given day. Listening to Lifting Shadows now, it's hard to imagine the band wrote 3 better songs than this (much less 34)!

 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: jammindude on January 15, 2022, 09:53:58 PM
Lifting Shadows (and all of Awake) is peak JLB… I had at 50 but I probably underrate these more than I should.

No rating on The Bigger Picture… the title track is a good try, everything else is forgotten.

The title track….from Dream Theater???
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 15, 2022, 10:40:47 PM
37 Overture 1928 #-
36 Outcry #20
35 the Bigger Picture #30
35 Lifting Shadows Off a Dream #39

Outcry is a beautiful musical answer to Bridges In the Sky. Dream Theater seems to actually reach the sky with that performance and Outcry continues this great musical atmosphere. Together they highlight the Mangini-era and might be after the Mirror-Lie, my favorite one-two punch from Dream Theater.

The Bigger Picture has one of Petrucci's most spot-on guitarsolo's in his entire discography. It's not nearly as complex as Lie, not as emotional as many ballad-solo's, but it lifts this song to a masterpiece. I love the most the 'slowness' (can't think of a better word) in it and the clearness in his tone. I used to rewind and re-listen to it all the time.

41 These Walls #13

Octavarium was one of the first Dream Theater albums I had bought and it's grand nugget themes are a reason for me enjoying this album a lot. These Walls is great in how JP uses a baritone guitar tuned down to a step to achieve the low A. Which is the next key in the musical Octave (A big theme as well that is part of the albums namesake). This is a key that relates to me, and this song does relate to me a lot. The clean guitars and the distortion tone I find to be pretty soothing. The vocal melodies actually soar through the music and I love how they build-up into the chorus. I appreciate how simple this song is for DT, especially the guitar solo. This laid-back, simplistic, atmosphere makes me feel that it represents the person unable to tear the walls down, and you feel this pent up tension waiting to be released by tearing down the walls. It's a reason for me enjoying the outro a lot as that to me is like a person trying desperately to tear down the walls, like the sound of a sledgehammer pounding down the wall. (Which I just now realized can be related to the concept of Pink Floyd's The Wall...

BenJamin, in general, but especially with These Walls, I find it very interesting to read your thoughts. Through your eyes, These Walls made have raised a few spots on the list, for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 15, 2022, 11:31:01 PM
Lifting Shadows (and all of Awake) is peak JLB… I had at 50 but I probably underrate these more than I should.

No rating on The Bigger Picture… the title track is a good try, everything else is forgotten.

The title track….from Dream Theater???

Haha sorry yes you’re right, I’ve got this thing where I see that one as ‘Illumination Theory’ and nothing else. My mistake.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 16, 2022, 01:22:13 AM

39 Barstool Warrior #26…. That happy, uplifting sort of sound is a big reason why I love Dream Theater as musicians. …

Clipping this out of your post, I agree 110% about the bands overall sound and it’s also why I love them (above and beyond getting on board with I&W) - for me I hear it with About to Crash, which is held back in rank by the rule that 6D is a whole, but otherwise to me that’s their most uplifting sound and (on its own) easily would have been my #3.

I do too and I love About to Crash, especially the Reprise, I play them back to back. I could talk more about it now, but I am going to save that IF 6DOIT the song makes the list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 16, 2022, 01:41:34 AM
Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previously
If possible can you post a link to that? I'm interested to read your thoughts on the song, because I agree, it's one of the band's very greatest masterpieces. Compositionally I think there's a case to be made that it's actually their finest moment. 

Yes! I had to go back through my posting history. The comment was made in a thread about DT’s finest moment and started as a reply to another poster, so for clarity’s sake I’m not go to copy-paste the entire post here, but instead link to the post in the thread (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=56364.msg2769867#msg2769867) so you can read what prompted it in the first place.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 16, 2022, 02:00:52 AM


41 These Walls #13

Octavarium was one of the first Dream Theater albums I had bought and it's grand nugget themes are a reason for me enjoying this album a lot. These Walls is great in how JP uses a baritone guitar tuned down to a step to achieve the low A. Which is the next key in the musical Octave (A big theme as well that is part of the albums namesake). This is a key that relates to me, and this song does relate to me a lot. The clean guitars and the distortion tone I find to be pretty soothing. The vocal melodies actually soar through the music and I love how they build-up into the chorus. I appreciate how simple this song is for DT, especially the guitar solo. This laid-back, simplistic, atmosphere makes me feel that it represents the person unable to tear the walls down, and you feel this pent up tension waiting to be released by tearing down the walls. It's a reason for me enjoying the outro a lot as that to me is like a person trying desperately to tear down the walls, like the sound of a sledgehammer pounding down the wall. (Which I just now realized can be related to the concept of Pink Floyd's The Wall...

BenJamin, in general, but especially with These Walls, I find it very interesting to read your thoughts. Through your eyes, These Walls made have raised a few spots on the list, for me.

I appreciate it. Dream Theater is my favorite band, or more so, the only band where I own all the albums, know pretty much all the songs, listen to various live recordings, and joined it's official forum that used to be featured on their website. I really love music, and it's pretty much vital to my overall perspective in life. I analyze it to wonder why the artist chose to use this tone, why did the artist use this sound, what was the message of the music, and does the music relate to it's lyrics and message. These are what I ask myself when I listen to music, but I like to take it all in first without asking these questions and letting the music hit me with whatever it is. I find music is best appreciated when no expectations are made about how the music is going to sound. For this reason, it's why I find it sort of hilarious how Dream Theater wound up with a vocalist with a tone that is not well enjoyed by some people, yet his tone is a big characteristic of the bands overall sound and tone of the band. Each member of this band is/was vital to the bands overall tone, with each person easily identifiable in their involvement in the music and also lyrics.

But that's why I enjoy Dream Theater, and am taking this opportunity to share my thoughts about the songs. This is very fun, and a great way to start the new year off. We're leading into the start of the tour as well...so I sort of see it as a countdown to the show in Mesa, which I am attending.  :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 16, 2022, 02:06:58 AM
Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previously
If possible can you post a link to that? I'm interested to read your thoughts on the song, because I agree, it's one of the band's very greatest masterpieces. Compositionally I think there's a case to be made that it's actually their finest moment. 

Yes! I had to go back through my posting history. The comment was made in a thread about DT’s finest moment and started as a reply to another poster, so for clarity’s sake I’m not go to copy-paste the entire post here, but instead link to the post in the thread (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=56364.msg2769867#msg2769867) so you can read what prompted it in the first place.

I must've missed your description or it went over my head when reading the thread, but that is a very great description of the song. I can hear exactly what you are describing. Although, I see the ending having a slight glimmer of hope with the people standing tall, represented by the "Hey" chants.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 16, 2022, 02:11:20 AM
Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previously
If possible can you post a link to that? I'm interested to read your thoughts on the song, because I agree, it's one of the band's very greatest masterpieces. Compositionally I think there's a case to be made that it's actually their finest moment. 

Yes! I had to go back through my posting history. The comment was made in a thread about DT’s finest moment and started as a reply to another poster, so for clarity’s sake I’m not go to copy-paste the entire post here, but instead link to the post in the thread (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=56364.msg2769867#msg2769867) so you can read what prompted it in the first place.

That's an AMAZING post, congratulations
I totally share the view on the intentional songwriting at the end, I also felt the "hopeleness" in the key choice, and I feel "uncertainty of the outcome" in the outro, which is harmonically unresolved and slightly dissonant in the arrangement

Outcry is a masterpiece of songwriting

It took me some time get the full story, initially I was a bit jarred..
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 16, 2022, 02:26:52 AM
Going back to These Walls, I should mention that I had it at number 13 also.  It's magic and the atmosphere is just so incredible.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 16, 2022, 02:30:53 AM
For me;

Overture 1928 - #51
Outcry - #77
The Bigger Picture - #27
Lifting Shadows Off A Dream - #63
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 16, 2022, 07:33:50 AM
I appreciate it. Dream Theater is my favorite band, or more so, the only band where I own all the albums, know pretty much all the songs, listen to various live recordings, and joined it's official forum that used to be featured on their website. I really love music, and it's pretty much vital to my overall perspective in life. I analyze it to wonder why the artist chose to use this tone, why did the artist use this sound, what was the message of the music, and does the music relate to it's lyrics and message. These are what I ask myself when I listen to music, but I like to take it all in first without asking these questions and letting the music hit me with whatever it is. I find music is best appreciated when no expectations are made about how the music is going to sound. For this reason, it's why I find it sort of hilarious how Dream Theater wound up with a vocalist with a tone that is not well enjoyed by some people, yet his tone is a big characteristic of the bands overall sound and tone of the band. Each member of this band is/was vital to the bands overall tone, with each person easily identifiable in their involvement in the music and also lyrics.

But that's why I enjoy Dream Theater, and am taking this opportunity to share my thoughts about the songs. This is very fun, and a great way to start the new year off. We're leading into the start of the tour as well...so I sort of see it as a countdown to the show in Mesa, which I am attending.  :metal

I follow you all the way. I've tried TransAtlantic, Muse, spend years on Metallica and as a young lad went to other musical genres as well, from GreenDay to hiphop. But when I finally found out 'bout Dream Theater (between the Astonishing and Distance Over Time), it took over all my music eventually. Next to Pink Floyds masterpieces (the Wall and P.U.L.S.E.), I only have content from Dream Theater. Artbooks and vinyl. Images and Words is the one vinyl still missing in my livingroom. I've spend hours and hours on their lyrics, studied the Lifting Shadows-biography and Dream Theater is at least 95% of all the music I listen to, since quite a while.

And then I found out about this forum a couple of months ago, which made a huge dive-in Dream Theater from a total different angle. Posts like yours are fine slices of the gorgious pie. It helps me to appreciate the 'complexity' (?) of their music even more.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 16, 2022, 07:36:23 AM
35 The Bigger Picture (-)
I like it, it's a consistent song, but it's not among my faves from DT12.

35 Lifting Shadows Off a Dream (#35 too! Like someone said, do I win any prizes? :D)
Incredible song! Those harmonic bass notes are really beautiful and make the song. From the more melodic side of DT, it's my second favorite behind These Walls.

As a tiebreaker, because TBP appeared in more entreess than LSOAD, it shouldn't be at #34 and LSOAD at #35? Just a suggestion.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 16, 2022, 07:39:55 AM


As a tiebreaker, because TBP appeared in more entreess than LSOAD, it shouldn't be at #34 and LSOAD at #35? Just a suggestion.

No. They ended up with the exact number of points, and I do not do tiebreakers.  :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 16, 2022, 07:58:48 AM
Ok, this is not a democracy... :D but... I won any prize? ;D ;D
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 16, 2022, 11:17:14 AM
And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.

There's two songs I don't have in my Top 100 that are otherwise universally praised... I wonder if either of those made the Top 5. Guess we'll have to wait and see!

Will be curious to see which of us Kev is referring to. I can say with 99% certainty a Top 10 song didn't make my list, I can't gauge if it cracked the Top 5. I believe I have seen enough here to believe it is not "universally" praised.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 16, 2022, 12:48:13 PM
35 (t) The Bigger Picture #4

It's an honor to be the person who has this at the highest spot on this top 100. This song has everything that I was missing in Dream Theaters music since Systematic Chaos. I love how it goes throughout different atmospheres, moods, and emotions. The bombastic intro is a bit harsh on the ears due to the awful loudness of the mix, it's really on the low end, especially with Mangini's snare sound. But after that, the riff is excellent. Then it get's even better with the piano and JLB's soothing vocals, along with JP's beautiful guitar lines. The way this song progresses and it's structure is quite unique for Dream Theater, in that I haven't really heard a song with this sort of structure. It sort of reminds me of Surrounded, Learning to Live, and Trial of Tears, all songs in my top 10. If there is a song to define the self-titled album, I would consider The Bigger Picture to be that song. I bought the HD version and it's great to hear some noises that were buried in the cd mix. I was so happy to see this song live, and it made it even more special that they played it when they came here. I consider this song to have the best outro of the band, starting from 5:15. This is where the beauty and the moment the vocal melodies make this amazing uplifting mood, it makes me feel euphoric and that things will be alright. It's very encouraging and I can feel this mood in the lyrics, especially "When I see the distant lights illuminate the night, then I will know I am home." This song, to me, speaks that throughout all these mistakes and errors, just remember the bigger picture. "Better to try and fail, than to never try at all."

35 (t) Lifting Shadows Off A Dream #25

This song defines the tone and the sound of Awake. Everything, from the bass harmonics, the keyboard sounds, and the guitar lines all have this sort of cold, delicate, almost moonlit night sort of atmosphere. The music fits the lyrics, while the lyrics describe the music. I actually think the sing-along "Lifting shadows off a dream" in the last chorus could go on a bit more longer, or be extended into a cool guitar solo outro. I love the song for it's beautiful scenery described in the music and lyrics interplay, and the tone of the keyboards. I feel this is a good spot for it's ranking, and it does fluctuate a bit higher when in the right mood, and I am right now.  :biggrin:


I am actually quite glad these two ended up in a tie together. Two songs that actually go well when listened to after one another.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 16, 2022, 01:12:29 PM
35 (t) The Bigger Picture #4

It's an honor to be the person who has this at the highest spot on this top 100.

Really??!  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 16, 2022, 01:35:19 PM
Going back to These Walls, I should mention that I had it at number 13 also.  It's magic and the atmosphere is just so incredible.

It’s a good one, I had it 29
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 16, 2022, 03:21:52 PM
35 (t) The Bigger Picture #4

It's an honor to be the person who has this at the highest spot on this top 100.

Really??!  :lol

The honor of helping it tie with LSOAD.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 16, 2022, 08:02:41 PM
Today's two!!

34 The Root of All Evil
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 16 (marztacy)


I was one of the three who did not have this is their top 100.  Solid tune, but just feels the hook doesn't quite land.


33 Misunderstood
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (ZirconBlue)


Awesome song, with the outro and all. I had this at 16.  It was my highest ranked DT song of the 21st century.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 16, 2022, 08:21:18 PM
2 great songs. Root is my favorite 12SS song, I have at #24.

I loved Misunderstood from the first spin. Rewind to 2002 (or whatever) and 3 songs in to this new DT album and I am floored at the greatness. The outro keeps it from being elite, and I'd think it would be in the 20s for me, but the ranking engine slotted it at #15.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 16, 2022, 08:50:09 PM
I'm very much behind on my writeups for this, and there's no way I could do even half of the ones I missed without getting burnt out by it.

Anyway, I'm really glad to see Misunderstood rank this high. I honestly didn't expect to see it on this list at all.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 16, 2022, 09:03:28 PM
34. The Root of All Evil at #21 for me, loved it since first listen. And whenever I hear Shattered Fortress I’m always itching to spin this one afterward, standout track.

33. Misunderstood #38, experimentation is a side of DT I’d like to make a periodic comeback.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 16, 2022, 09:13:54 PM
I’ve come to like The Root of All Evil a bit more from revisiting Score lately. I had it at 72, a few spots down from The Glass Prison, but if I reranked them today I’d probably put TROAE first among all of the 12 step songs.

I do think Misunderstood is a pretty cool song, even though I have it down at 53. Really surprised it made it this high though since it seems like one of the more divisive songs in the catalog. The quieter first half of the song before the shouty nu-metal chorus is the best part, and then it wobbles off a bit into questionable territory. But that first part is pretty unique for DT and one of the more interesting passages on SDOIT.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 16, 2022, 10:10:57 PM
#35  The Bigger Picture - 80. I like it more and more. I just dont choose it to listen that often. I like more energized music most of the time.


#35??  Lifting Shadows Off A Dream. -  not rated for me.. I just never could get into this song.

#34. The Root of All Evil  - 54  this was another one of my first favorites, and I listened to it A Lot at the beginning. Its fallen off more recently as I have so many other songs I want to listen to more. Its a great song, though, and could or should have been higher.

#33. Misunderstood - 89. Really good, just too mellow for most of my listening.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 17, 2022, 12:43:46 PM
34 The Root of All Evil #33
My second favorite part of the 12 step suite, really great rocker, the solo section is amazing, but its beginning [5:17-5:30] is insanely good.

33 Misunderstood -
Very interesting for what it is and it has a lot of merit in being experimental and really good at same time.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Trav86 on January 17, 2022, 02:12:57 PM
#35??  Lifting Shadows Off A Dream. -  not rated for me.. I just never could get into this song.

That sucks. I’m sorry.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 17, 2022, 03:00:54 PM
#35??  Lifting Shadows Off A Dream. -  not rated for me.. I just never could get into this song.

That sucks. I’m sorry.

Fortunately there is a Ton to love, so..it's ok. Who knows though, I may give it some listens and see if its a grower, since it is so popular.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Trav86 on January 17, 2022, 04:03:47 PM
#35??  Lifting Shadows Off A Dream. -  not rated for me.. I just never could get into this song.

That sucks. I’m sorry.

Fortunately there is a Ton to love, so..it's ok. Who knows though, I may give it some listens and see if its a grower, since it is so popular.
Funny thing about the whole Awake album. It was the first thing I heard from the band, and I was blown away. But I went out and immediately bought SFAM (it was the newest album) and was so obsessed with that, I didn’t go back to Awake for a while. Even though it’s the one that drew me in, it took a few years to really get it. I mean, to the point where I’m following the lyrics, rewinding to listen to vocal lines in “Caught in a Web”. A song that most diehards don’t give two shits about. And I heard “Lifting Shadows off a Dream” as the masterpiece it is.
So yeah, I feel bad for people that don’t get it like I do. But I totally understand because it hits a different spot than most of their albums do.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 17, 2022, 06:48:32 PM
Get ready for a mellow update coming shortly!! :P
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 17, 2022, 06:55:22 PM
Today's songs!!

32 Wait for Sleep
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (425)


Awesome song, one that just oozes with melody.  I can still play the main melody on the keyboard (the lead part only :lol).  I had this at 30.


31 Disappear
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 4 (Cool Chris, Setlist Scotty)


This one has been a major grower for me. I always liked it a ton, but in recent years, it has really elevated big time.  I had it at 22, while years ago it would have been a borderline top 50 song.  The atmosphere in this one is just phenomenal.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: jammindude on January 17, 2022, 07:03:01 PM
It's amazing how quick you can fall behind!   So here's my catch up post.

44. Another Day - Me #69 (niiiiiice)

When I first heard PMU, I loved it straight away.  But I loved the way the album immediately transitioned to this very mellow piece.   That told me right off the bat that this band was not content to just give me one type of music throughout the album.  They were going to explore the dynamics.   Not the best from IAW, but makes an immediate statement that I love as the second track from that album.

43. Fall Into the Light - Me #46

Pretty close to the final ranking.  One of the best tracks from D/T.

42. Hell's Kitchen - Me #120

Not a fan of splitting this up from the original BMS '96 version.   I feel it's fairly overrated on its own.

41. These Walls - Me #63

I've made no secret that 8V is my favorite album, but it wasn't always that way.   My first few spins, I was not thrilled.  And TALW was especially a letdown.   But These Walls was an early standout.   8V is a near perfect album for me, but definitely an example of the "album experience" being greater than the sum of its parts.  So the individual songs don't always track so high with me.

40. Endless Sacrifice - Me #125

This song really didn't age well for me at all.  The part where the pace picks up is pretty cool.  But the chorus is pretty weak.

39. Barstool Warrior - Me #25

My highest ranking song, and #1 favorite hands down from D/T.   FANTASTIC chorus!   Can't help but sing along to this one every time.   Actually turned a kid on to DT with this song.  He really loved it. 

38. Overture 1928 - Me #32

The excitement when I was working at a CD shop when this album came out CANNOT be understated.  I played this in-store so much that all the other employees started to hate me.  But I sold a lot of copies!!!  LOL

37. Outcry - Me #53

Definitely one of the better tracks from ADTOE.  I actually give this album a bad rap sometimes.  But it's really a good album.   The comparisons with IAW do have some merit....but I think OTBOA is the only one that suffers from being derivative.   All the rest (to me...and Outcry is a perfect example) pay homage without sounding anything like the originals. 

35(t). The Bigger Picture - Me #39

Someone earlier mentioned the outro for this song, and I have to whole heartedly agree.  The main part of this song is amazing enough, but that outro just takes everything to another level.   

35(t). Lifting Shadows off A Dream - Me #10

This is my all time #1 Dream Theater ballad.  It is the most beautiful mellow song they have ever written.   And when I thought it couldn't possibly be improved upon?  They wrote that incredible, jaw-dropping intro that I first heard on 5YIALT and subsequently on the 1998 Fan Club CD.  Still the definitive version of that song.   I literally get goosebumps every time I hear it.

34. The Root of All Evil - Me #31

Another song that was amazing to begin with, but got elevated to a whole new level with the live version.  Can't listen to this without remembering being in the 6th Row at the Score show.  I'm certain the electricity in the air could be measured. 

33. Misunderstood - Me #91

This is better than I rated it.   But I will say that the end brings it WAAAY down.  I do like the single cut much better.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 17, 2022, 07:03:24 PM
Disappear made 5 Top 10 finishes. Awesome!

I think WfS got left off my list. Probably something I should have corrected after running the ranking engine. Still not something I'd have in the low on the list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 17, 2022, 07:06:35 PM
I have Disappear at #10. It's a great song. Easily the standout on the overrated and bloated Six Degrees.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: jammindude on January 17, 2022, 07:46:41 PM
Since he JUST posted it, I may as well stay caught up while I have the chance.

32. Wait for Sleep - Me #55

Such a beautiful piece.  But, to me, it's more of an intro to LTL, and it's almost impossible for me to separate it from the context of that song.    On its own, it doesn't do as well in the head to head competition.   But I do absolutely love it.

31. Disappear - Me #150

I just do not get the love for this song.   I feel about this song the way I've seen a lot of people feel about Space Dye Vest.   But I think SDV is just so much more melodic and better structured.   This song does an ok job of setting up a creepy vibe, but it's just kindof a mess.    To me, it's forgettable and one of the lower moments in DTs body of work. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: The Realm on January 17, 2022, 08:36:04 PM
Absolutely love Wait for Sleep.

Have never thought that much of Disappear. Actually often skip it when listening to the album. It is an ok song but I am pretty shocked it has ranked so high.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 17, 2022, 09:00:28 PM
32. Wait for Sleep may have been my initial favorite after PMU (which is what got me into the band), and like all the songs from that album still resonates with me today. Called it at 32 :) but looking back I’d probably swap it with my 41, Vacant. I would have loved a song like this to lead into AVFTTOTW.

31. Disappear doesn’t work for me much but I get why it does for some, since it’s a pretty distinct piece in the band’s catalog. Had it at 77.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 17, 2022, 10:24:28 PM
I have Wait for Sleep at 18. It's a beautiful song and another great example of Kevin Moore's writing ability, both lyrically and musically. Back when I was sort of learning piano I found some sheet music online that I don't think was 100% accurate, but close enough and I learned that thing by heart. To this day it's really the only complete piece of music I can play (on any instrument). It's been a while though. Need to run through it again to make sure the muscle memory hasn't evaporated. Also a really great vocal performance from James. And of course love how the main theme is reprised in Learning to Live.

Disappear is one I will probably never love, but I do see the appeal. For me, it's just so dour and always felt like their attempt to recreate Space Dye Vest without Kevin (but more in the vein of Radiohead or something). I have it at 64.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 18, 2022, 01:27:29 AM
34 the Root of All Evil #41
33 Misunderstood #76
32 Wait for Sleep #37
31 Disappear #93

To me, the second vinyl of Six Degrees (title-piece) is so much better than the first songs, with the exception of the Glass Prison. Both Misunderstood and Disappear are in the lower tier of my top 100. Blind Faith also and the Great Debate doesn't even come near it. I might just have to spend more hours on this one, it might take a few years to age to me (it's only four years since I've been in Dream Theater). So, I don't know, maybe if we do this again in 2030, it will be much higher.

Wait for Sleep is so wonderful simple and moving, with a story that always reaches my heart, doesn't matter how many times I hear it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 18, 2022, 01:33:04 AM
Get ready for a mellow update coming shortly!! :P

Funny, with the top 30 close by now, I am so curious to see what it will look like. Especially the top 10. A couple of my own top 10 I have seen already and I can't believe one of them didn't make the final list... so as it seems there will so much to enjoy coming up any time soon now. I've decided to make a playlist of the top 100 when it's finished and play it all the way, shortly after the number 1 is released.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 18, 2022, 02:12:28 AM
I love both songs!!

I have Wait for sleep at #12, even though I admit the ranking is subject to an "upward bias" due to its position in I&W...:)

I really love the intro and the last verse of Disappear (#29), those parts are probably in my top 10 of the best "musical moments" of DT...I don't love the arrangements in other parts of the song that much, that's why the rank is "only" 29.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 18, 2022, 07:44:50 AM
40. Endless Sacrifice (NR) already commented on.
39. Barstool Warrior (#54) same as above

38. Overture 1928 (#4) guess I’ll be the one again to give the next ‘Scenes’ song its highest rating on here as well.  On my ‘best ofs’, I go mostly chronological.  TSCO ends my disc one, and this starts disc 2.  Can’t tell you the number of days that this was the first thing I heard on the way to or from work, though it was hard to drive because I want to play air drums and keyboard throughout.  Such a joy to hear it in ’14 and the last two concerts.  For an ultimate forever concert setlist, this would always be my opener.

37. Outcry (#70) I made a travel disc for me and the wife of ADToE, and I didn’t include this.  Figured it was bit much.  Oddly, it found a home on my edited TA disc, right after ‘A New Beginning’ and before ‘Our New World’. 

35(t). The Bigger Picture (#36) nailed it!

35(t).  Lifting Shadows Off a Dream (#44)  Enjoyed the prior write ups and listened to the other live versions because of them.  Thank you.  Not spectacular but enjoyable on the ’14 tour.

34. The Root of All Evil (#46) good album opener, the lovely piano ending and hint of the title track, a perfect start to ‘Score’, and Romavarium https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Stm7mrY8yc0&t=32s very good ending on ‘Luna Park’.  Glad I saw it performed in 2012.  Easily my favorite of the 12SS. 

33. Misunderstood (#18) First, like The Beatles did to ‘I Want You’, I simply chopped the ending of this song off at 8:08.  Works great for me.
Once again, this was my first DT disc, and I jumped out of my LZ Boy during my first listen to look at the credits to see where Brian May was listed (just as I had on Soundgarden’s ‘New Damage’).  That guitar solo in itself raises this song up dozens of notches.  The lyrics (I think of my often loneliness in spite of having known 1000s of people…and my prior dog😊).  They captured the moodiness so well on stage with faint blue lights, before the white lights blinded me when the heaviness crashes in…..perhaps my favorite visual memory of any song from start to finish. 

32. Wait for Sleep (#41) another beautiful I&W slower tempo song, good on its own (another of my wife’s favorites). btw, she likes 'Misunderstood' as well from it being constantly played on road trips. :tup

31. Disappear (NR) it reminds me of the ‘Dark Shadows’ TV theme to me. Perhaps that's why it seems even 'creepier' to me.  Thus ends the first disc of the first DT album I heard.  Not a kind introduction.  Gee, I hope Disc 2 is a bit more enjoyable……

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: ZirconBlue on January 18, 2022, 08:51:27 AM
33 Misunderstood
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (ZirconBlue)



I love this song, obviously.  I'm not a huge fan of the "noise solo", but the rest of the song is sheer perfection.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 18, 2022, 09:44:52 AM
32. Wait For Sleep.  93 for me.  It's beautiful and I love it.  I just don't listen to it that much.  That is how I based my rankings.

31. Disappear.  67.   This is a wonderful song. I want to cry every time I get to "I gave you my hand, I said it's okay letting go time to leave here". I would really love to see this live.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 18, 2022, 09:45:53 AM
33 Misunderstood
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (ZirconBlue)



I love this song, obviously.  I'm not a huge fan of the "noise solo", but the rest of the song is sheer perfection.

I find it rather odd that despite not 'being a huge fan' of a quarter of the song's total duration, you still put it at #4.

Not that I'm complaining, Misunderstood is my #16 and that's actually largely due to the ending, which I think is awesome. Your high placement undoubtedly made it rank higher in the final list, so thanks I guess.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 18, 2022, 09:46:57 AM
By the way; by the time this list finishes, is it a good idea for Kev to post every single Top 10 everyone has submitted? It's difficult to keep track of all of that and it would be fun to see what others have selected there, without having to post the entire top 100.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 18, 2022, 10:50:32 AM
I'd love to see the names of those who didn't rate each one.

As well as the top 5 rankings and possibly names for each song (just to see how close some of the others have come to my seemingly too many highest rankings).

And after that, tally who had the most submissions that did not rank (probably me), the most whose songs did rate, and then something x, y, and z, just so that his work on this will be a constant endless sacrifice ;)

'Everything is never enough!' :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 18, 2022, 11:05:25 AM
There will definitely be an opportunity for lots of interesting statistical analysis at the end of this.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 18, 2022, 11:18:49 AM
33 Misunderstood
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (ZirconBlue)



I love this song, obviously.  I'm not a huge fan of the "noise solo", but the rest of the song is sheer perfection.

I find it rather odd that despite not 'being a huge fan' of a quarter of the song's total duration, you still put it at #4.

Not that I'm complaining, Misunderstood is my #16 and that's actually largely due to the ending, which I think is awesome. Your high placement undoubtedly made it rank higher in the final list, so thanks I guess.

For me Misunderstood is #37

In a similar way, I prefer the "single edit" version you can find in the "Greatest hit(s)".
I would have probably kept the second verse that was cancelled , but all the "removed noise" that's in the full version was not necessary, IMHO.


Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 18, 2022, 12:54:09 PM
Nobody had my #5 as high and I’m willing to bet I’m the highest for my #3 and #4 as well. Kev can’t play, because he knows :lol .

Top 10’s at the end, definitely please!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: ZirconBlue on January 18, 2022, 02:17:07 PM
33 Misunderstood
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (ZirconBlue)



I love this song, obviously.  I'm not a huge fan of the "noise solo", but the rest of the song is sheer perfection.

I find it rather odd that despite not 'being a huge fan' of a quarter of the song's total duration, you still put it at #4.

Not that I'm complaining, Misunderstood is my #16 and that's actually largely due to the ending, which I think is awesome. Your high placement undoubtedly made it rank higher in the final list, so thanks I guess.


The part I'm talking about is just a few seconds of guitar squawking, not the whole instrumental section.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 18, 2022, 03:25:07 PM
32 Wait for Sleep (#92)
Really beautiful, the piano reminds me of a classic Renassaince (prog band) song.

31 Disappear (-)
It's interesting, it has a cool and eerie atmosphere, but it's my less favorite song from 6DOIT.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 18, 2022, 03:44:49 PM
I have Disappear somewhere in the Top 10 on my list (I'm keeping the exact placement a secret for now in case Kev does reveal all the Top 10s at the end). This is one of eight songs in my top tier of Dream Theater songs. This song is beautiful, haunting, and depressing, and I love every element of it. I don't know which song is more depressing, this or Heartattack in a Layby from Porcupine Tree. Heartattack is probably the more depressing one, but Disappear leaves a bigger impact on me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 18, 2022, 03:53:28 PM
I have Disappear somewhere in the Top 10 on my list (I'm keeping the exact placement a secret for now in case Kev does reveal all the Top 10s at the end). This is one of eight songs in my top tier of Dream Theater songs. This song is beautiful, haunting, and depressing, and I love every element of it. I don't know which song is more depressing, this or Heartattack in a Layby from Porcupine Tree. Heartattack is probably the more depressing one, but Disappear leaves a bigger impact on me.

Routine for me by Steve Wilson...We could do a new thread, your most depressing songs.. But that would be depressing. :'(
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DTwwbwMP on January 18, 2022, 06:05:31 PM
Today's songs!!

32 Wait for Sleep
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (425)


Awesome song, one that just oozes with melody.  I can still play the main melody on the keyboard (the lead part only :lol).  I had this at 30.


31 Disappear
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 4 (Cool Chris, Setlist Scotty)


This one has been a major grower for me. I always liked it a ton, but in recent years, it has really elevated big time.  I had it at 22, while years ago it would have been a borderline top 50 song.  The atmosphere in this one is just phenomenal.

NEITHER would make my top 100 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 18, 2022, 06:12:26 PM
Alright, folks, let's get ready to rock for tonight's entries!!  :metal :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 18, 2022, 06:16:09 PM
We now enter the top 30...

30 Beyond This Life
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (NoFred)


Incredible song.  There are times where it almost gets lost in the shuffled amongst all of the awesomeness on Scenes, but this song is just money.  All of the vocal melodies are stellar, that instrumental section is god tier, and that ending...  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy  I had it at 21.


29 Under a Glass Moon
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 3 (Dream Team)


It shows how awesome Images and Words was when a song this good is, IMO, its least best song.  I had this at 52.  It would have been higher years ago, but some songs have aged a bit better for me.  Still a great song, regardless.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 18, 2022, 06:20:02 PM
I had Beyond This Life at #61 and Under A Glass Moon at #43. Just goes to show how many great songs they have. I agree that Beyond This Life gets lost in the awesomeness of Scenes, but I still think it's amazing. I do, however, consider the Budokan version a travesty.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 18, 2022, 06:32:01 PM
I had Beyond This Life at 96. Yikes. It is better than that, especially the first part, but that instrumental section isn't nearly good enough to be as long as it is.

UaGM at 36 so not too far off from the forum has it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 18, 2022, 06:46:13 PM
I had Beyond This Life at 96. Yikes. It is better than that, especially the first part, but that instrumental section isn't nearly good enough to be as long as it is.

Yeah, maybe that's it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 18, 2022, 06:46:42 PM
Beyond This Life
My ranking: #28. I've rated this song pretty highly before, but this one's grown on me even more in recent months. The instrumental section is almost a little too long, but I don't really mind considering how good it is.

Under a Glass Moon
My ranking: Not ranked (#123). This song's certainly good, but I've never considered it to be particularly great, at least in comparison to so many other DT songs. I see the guitar solo get a lot of high praise, but I don't find it to be anything special.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 18, 2022, 07:16:10 PM
I had Beyond This Life at 96. Yikes. It is better than that, especially the first part, but that instrumental section isn't nearly good enough to be as long as it is.


Huh. I’m the opposite. The instrumental section of Beyond This Life is the better part for me. I do like the chorus though at least when it comes back after the instrumental. I had it at 39.

Under a Glass Moon came in at 21. I actually kind of used to dislike it when I first got into I&W, mostly on account of the unusual chorus that felt kind of grating. But the guitar solo is epic, and it’s one that has somehow aged better for me than some of the other songs on the album (Pull Me Under and Metropolis for example).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 18, 2022, 08:36:12 PM
30.  Beyond This Life. - 7. I Love this song. All the parts. All the different live versions. At the very beginning, when Home was one of my first DT discovered songs, and then Scenes, I just couldnt get past Home being my #1 song. But later, when giving the other songs more attention, I really got into this. Home is still higher, and was surpassed as number 1. But really, my top 10 might as well be interchangesble.

29. Under a Glass Moon.  70 - Great song. I really think I like DT's newer material more than their old.. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 18, 2022, 09:34:32 PM
I will add that when I got I&W back in '92-ish, and while I instantly loved the whole album, UaGM was the song that took me the longest to fully appreciate.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 18, 2022, 10:08:20 PM
30. Beyond This Life has it all and more, love seeing this even if I say everyone else has it relatively underrated (my #2). A fantastic song that delivers on the tracks that come before it. The messiest/loosest part of scenes 1-4 which might work against it as a standalone, but works very well in both the musical and lyrical narrative. By BTL things have opened up and unfolded enough that it’s the spot for a track that tries to be a bigger journey, and shows off what everyone in the band has to offer, writ large… Long my #1 until a couple years ago when I swapped it with another older song that I’m honestly surprised hasn’t been ranked yet.

29. Under A Glass Moon I’ve got at #18. The greatness of SFAM 1-6 goes for I&W 5-8 too. Just amazing runs of music.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 18, 2022, 10:24:24 PM
34 The Root of All Evil  #45

What I enjoy about Octavarium is it's grand concept centering around the musical Octave. Beginning from the last note of ITNOG from ToT, The Root of All Evil begins with the same sounds as it's predecessor 12-step Suite song, This Dying Soul. The ambience intro is a great way to introduce the album, and also tie in the next steps in the 12-step suite saga. I will say this, this song has helped me a lot with dealing with my alcohol issues. That energy and desperation in the lyrics comes across really well, especially in the live versions I have heard.
 
33 Misunderstood #18

6DOIT is my favorite album for one specific reason. The subject and theme of mental struggles, issues, and mentalities are why I love this album. The atmosphere and mood of this song portrays that desolation perfectly. I love the way it builds up into this grand outro with the guitars going crazy with noises. I covey that to mean that personal struggle the person experiences by being "Misunderstood" by others, to where they become isolated and go from "belief to delusion". If there is one song really want to see live from my favorite album, it'd be this one.


32 Wait For Sleep #72

I instantly fell in love with this song when I heard it on Live in Tokyo. The tone KM decides to use here is what defines Images and Words. I love the way JLB sings as well, his voice really shines on this song. I also attribute this as the song that is playing behind the image on the cover art. It fit's perfectly and is a reason I consider KM being a big essential loss for the bands overall tone that defines their first 3 albums, and why FII sounds the way it does. I was so happy to have witnessed this in Dallas on the last stop of the entire tour, where we also got to hear Hourglass (which I will never forget, because I did not expect them to do this song at all).

31 Disappear #21

This song captures the mood and atmosphere of grief and sadness, especially in the last verse. It's a great way to end the first disc, and it transitions great into the grand epic of the album. I first heard it on Live at Budakon, but I prefer the album version more. The lower vocals in the outro verse captures that somber sadness a lot, and I listen to that vocal part more so than the lead vocals during that verse.

30 Beyond This Life (Did Not Rank)

Regardless this did not rank, It's still a great song live. The part I enjoy most about it is the chorus. I enjoy that vibe created by the guitar and the vocals. It was fun to sing along to live when they played it on the Distant Memories tour.

29 Under A Glass Moon (Did Not Rank)

For some reason, I just can't get into this song. I know it's a good song, and I also did enjoy it when they played it live. This is a song that I don't really pay attention to the lyrics meaning at all much, but I enjoy the vocal melodies. This song is really bouncy in a way with the rests and rhythms.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: 425 on January 18, 2022, 10:39:23 PM
I've been very busy this last week with a cross-country move, and I've fallen well behind, so please excuse the long catch-up post...


44. Another Day
My ranking: #24

This is such a beautiful song. It's very emotionally powerful, and it has a great vocal performance by JLB. The whole "They took pictures of our dreams" section is unreal.


43. Fall into the Light
My ranking: #52

The best song on Distance over Time in my book—it's the one that makes me pause and take notice.. The first section is pretty good, and then the instrumental section takes it to a higher level. Kind of has a Hell's Kitchen vibe in that they find a theme that really works, and then build up that theme over the course of a couple of minutes.


42. Hell's Kitchen
My ranking: #80

Hey, speaking of it! Would you believe I wrote the Hell's Kitchen reference into the previous writeup before I knew it was up next?

I think I might have under-ranked this one by just a bit. I've always had a bit of trouble knowing what to do with it, because it feels like it's somewhere in between a standalone song and a transition piece. But whatever it is, it's good at it. I like buildup, and this is a pretty good one. It also leads in really well to Lines in the Sand.


41. These Walls
My ranking: #43

This song connected with me a lot when I first got into the band, both musically and lyrically. It's not one I think about much anymore, so there's a sense in which this is a bit of a legacy ranking, but I think the song merits it. I really enjoy the mix of heavy riffs and melodic keyboards at the beginning, and I think this is an under-appreciated JLB performance.

In my head, I always heard a MP backing vocal under the chorus (in the style of the "Never could have just a part of it" verse of TROAE), and it always surprised me that he didn't record a part there.


40. Endless Sacrifice
My ranking: #59

A few years ago, this probably would have made my top 50—and really, it did come close, since a nine-space gap on my list is pretty minute. In fact, listening to it now, I probably should have gone higher on this one and kept it in there.

Like most of Train of Thought, it really manages to go all-out with heaviness and technicality while also maintaining a really strong melodic sensibility. I really like Petrucci's riffing all over this song. The riffs under the verses that whet the appetite for the heavy chorus, the instrumental section, all of it is awesome. I get why the instrumental section loses some people (like TDS and ITNOG), but I love the side of DT where they just go off and do something like this. (It's honestly something I missed for most of the 2010s, and I'm hoping it's back at least to some extent for the 2020s.)


39. Barstool Warrior
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #112)

Like most of DoT, this one just doesn't quite hit the mark for me. It falls into my "good, but doesn't stand out" range. I'm not surprised to see it this high, though, knowing how much praise it got when the album came out.

For me, it's kind of a weird song in that there are parts I really like, and parts that just completely fall flat for me. The guitar solos sprinkled across this one are really good, as is the piano break. Like Kev, though, I just don't feel most of the vocal melodies. The chorus just feels too generic to give it the impact that it's going for (incidentally, I also feel this way about S2N). The final section starts off really well with "Promises made..." but then falls flat with "No one can save you" through the end. The result is such an inconsistent experience that listening to it just now, I changed my mind multiple times over the duration of the song about whether I had been unfair in ranking it this low.


38. Overture 1928
My ranking: #31

Now we're talking! I think this is an incredible overture that transcends the form to become a compelling instrumental piece in its own right. I think even if I'd never heard any other Metropolis anything, I'd find this song thrilling. Of course, in context it's even greater, particularly with the reprise of the Watches and Thoughtfully Smiles melody, and just the energy that it carries throughout and really drives home at the end, leading into Strange Deja Vu (when a lot of overtures kind of peter out and rely on the next song that get the energy back up).


37. Outcry
My ranking: #51

This just missed my own top 50, but I definitely approve of this selection. It's one that really didn't connect with me when I first heard ADTOE, but grew a lot over the subsequent years. I really like Elite's post analyzing why he likes it, and that speaks to a lot of what I like, too. The integration of the music with the lyrics definitely caught my ear over the years. And I agree that it's just really good songwriting.

Interesting that Outcry has such consensus appeal as to be on all lists but one. It's deserved, but I'm not sure I'd have expected it.


35. The Bigger Picture
My ranking: #10

This is another one for which I thought I might have the highest ranking, but it's cool to see that I did not! Nice choice, Ben_Jamin! This song just really resonates with me on a really deep level, and has amazing songwriting. I really like the piano on this one, the verses, the chorus, everything. But what really makes it a great song is the final section. The song almost completely dies down, and then comes back, not just for another riff or chorus, but to deliver this powerful, uplifting finale that keeps building and building.

It's also helped by the fact that DT12 came out when I was 17, which I think is kind of an important music age for most people, myself included. This song was heavily in my rotation during one of the more memorable years of my life. And while the rest of the album faded for me, this one stayed.

This is also the first song from my top 10 to show up! Pretty cool that it took so long, and I'm fairly optimistic about the other nine (the one I'd be most worried about dropped a few spaces after this one).


35. Lifting Shadows off a Dream
My ranking: #99

I figured this one would be up here, after how much difficulty I had getting it out during the recent survivor. I'm still a bit surprised that the consensus rates it higher than all of the first three songs on Awake, which, as I've said, are a huge part of what makes that album special to me.

I think Lifting Shadows is a good song, musically, but the vocal melodies are a little unsatisfying for me. In particular, the "and she listens openly" line just misses the mark for me. It feels like it's leading into something else, but that something else never comes. And it's a really key line in the structure of the song!


34. The Root of All Evil
My ranking: #47

This is a very good song. It has this nice sense of forward motion through all the different sections. Even though the melodies and tempos change, it always feels like this song is going somewhere and knows exactly where that is. I think my favorite part is "Driven blindly by our sins, misled so easily..."


33. Misunderstood
My ranking: #92


I love this song, obviously.  I'm not a huge fan of the "noise solo", but the rest of the song is sheer perfection.

I find it rather odd that despite not 'being a huge fan' of a quarter of the song's total duration, you still put it at #4.

I've never seen someone actually put a fraction to it, and that's probably higher than I would have guessed, but it makes a lot of sense.

That's why it's #92 for me. This is a really good song for 3/4 of its runtime, and then becomes utterly intolerable to me. I hate whatever you want to call the last 25% of this song. I like those soft, haunting verses, the build into the huge chorus, and the instrumental bit after it before the outro riff kicks on. I enjoy those parts a lot, and with a proper intro this would probably be a top 50 song.

But I never listen to it except on the rare occasions that I listen to SDOIT, because I dread the outro, and there is no clear off-ramp in the song before that comes in. Honestly, the guitar noise is not even the worst part to me: it's the atonal tinkly keys.

(In fact, the last three minutes of this song alone probably drag SDOIT several spots down my album ranking to the 14th place it inhabits.)


32. Wait for Sleep
My ranking: #5 (highest placement of this song)

I love this song. It's just a perfect two minutes and 32 seconds that does everything it needs to do. The lyrics are gorgeous, James delivers them brilliantly, and the piano parts complement them perfectly. I've probably heard this song hundreds of times and I still sometimes have to catch my breath on "In with the ashes..."

This, to me, is what music with words is all about. There's a meaningful emotion conveyed through a beautiful description of a scene which is paired perfectly with music.

You can think of this as an intro to Learning to Live, and the two absolutely pair beautifully ("hey, I wonder what might be one of the four songs that 425 placed above this one?"). But I think Wait for Sleep stands perfectly well on its own.

I used to have this a little lower, around 8-12, and I think I was held back a little bit by the idea of having this little piano piece ahead of all these huge prog compositions. But that little piano piece does such a beautiful, wonderful thing and holds such a special place in my heart that it deserves a spot in my top five.


31. Disappear
My ranking: #57

This is a hard one for me. I have my issues with some of how this song is written, and especially how it's produced. I don't really care for the intro and outro, especially, and the guitar and keyboard sounds on "Days disappear" part. Those parts kind of give me a headache sometimes. So that used to hold this song pretty low for me, although I always liked the rest pretty well—James really has an excellent performance here.

But, and I'll try not to get too personally detailed about this, but about a year ago, the type of event that this song is about happened in my life. And in the weeks after, I needed this song, and it had real meaning and power for me, and I didn't care about all the stuff that annoyed me. For a little while, it was the only music I could listen to at all. So I'm very grateful that it was there. But now it also carries a very painful association for me.

So #57 is an attempt to find some placement that's compatible with all my complicated and confusing feelings about this song. I'm very glad it exists, but it's not one I seek out, except under extraordinary circumstances.


30. Beyond This Life
My ranking: #28

This is one that I forget about sometimes, but whenever I remember it, I remember how absolutely fantastic it is. This is a quintessential Dream Theater song, with everything thrown in including the kitchen sink, while the whole thing still comes together as a coherent piece. Everyone is firing on all cylinders here.

I'm a big fan of the "oh yeah-yeah" from JLB, and I've always thought he should have done another one at 7:10.


29. Under a Glass Moon
My ranking: #20

I absolutely love the mood that's present on Images and Words and on no other album I've ever heard. Under a Glass Moon definitely carries that mood, and is just a fantastic song. I love the combined guitar/keyboard intro, James's performance is just out of this world (especially "praying for TIME to disappear"), and, of course, there's one of Petrucci's best solos. This is just an excellent song that I still enjoy even after hearing it dozens of times.

So, for those keeping track at home, my rankings of the IAW songs that have dropped so far are #24, #5 and #20. Either I hate the other five (all of which I expect to see upcoming), or this is my favorite DT album by miles and miles—you decide.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 19, 2022, 12:06:37 AM
Don’t worry 425; the majority of I&W is pretty high on my list as well…

Under a Glass Moon is my #9. It’s probably, but I can’t remember exactly, the song that got me into Dream Theater, but other than just for nostalgic reasons this song has stood the test of time and is still a favourite of mine.

Beyond The Life was my #14. It’s easily the most progressive/experimental track on Scenes (edit: scrap that, The Dance of Eternity exists as well :lol ) and it’s a vital part of the story on that album too. I love the instrumental section, I think it contains some of DT’s best trade-offs and one of John Petrucci’s & Jordan Rudess’s finest unison solo in all of their songs.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 19, 2022, 09:54:50 AM
So...28 left...
My guess (too easy?  :biggrin:):
-I&W : 5
-Awake: 4
-FII: 2
-SFAM:5
-SDOIT:3
-ToT:1
-8um: 1
-SC:1
-BC&SL: 1
-ADTOE: 2
-D12: 1
- DoT: 1
- Others: 1

If I am right, I have 27/28 in my top 100..a very heavy one missing

Under a glass moon was #33 for me, the lowest ranking from I&W


Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 19, 2022, 10:56:04 AM
Quote
I also attribute this as the song that is playing behind the image on the cover art.

I've collected almost all official DT-vinyls since I became obsessed with the band. Live At the Marquee - red version - was delivered last week and I can't believe how beautiful that one is. I've listened to it before, but not spinning my own. A La Chouffe beer in my hand, the cover in the other and just absorbing it in that rare moment were the Marshall speaker is playing loud, but my wife and daughters respect the emotion in it... and remains silence. So just me, spinning it a couple of times. I love vinyl and it brings music from the mind down to the heart. Bombay Vindaloo and Surrounded completely swallowed me in.

The only vinyl left to come, is Images and Words. I will be on Discogs this spring or summer and will look for a gorgious piece, a coloured one with gatefold sleeve. And when I finally lay that vinyl under the needle... I'll be in my dreamcastle for quite a while.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 19, 2022, 11:36:36 AM
30 Beyond This Life #13
Although it has a lot of guitar riffage, it's quite an experimental song, specially in the pre-chorus and in the solos. 2nd best song on an incredible and perfect album!

29 Under a Glass Moon #51
I love it, the syncopated drums in the beginning and the instrumental conventions during the guitar solo (as the proper guitar solo) are killers!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: 425 on January 19, 2022, 11:42:32 AM
So...28 left...
My guess (too easy?  :biggrin:):
-I&W : 5
-Awake: 4
-FII: 2
-SFAM:5
-SDOIT:3
-ToT:1
-8um: 1
-SC:1
-BC&SL: 1
-ADTOE: 2
-D12: 1
- DoT: 1
- Others: 1

If I am right, I have 27/28 in my top 100..a very heavy one missing

Under a glass moon was #33 for me, the lowest ranking from I&W

Wow, I was thinking it would be hard to guess the remaining songs at this point, but I think you've got it almost exactly right. And I think I know what songs you're thinking of for almost all the albums. The only one I'm unsure of is DoT, but I have a fuzzier idea of what the popular opinion is on that one—I'd assume the song would be At Wit's End, but I thought Barstool Warrior was the popular favorite on the album.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Dream Team on January 19, 2022, 12:58:00 PM
So that makes 4 songs for me so far where I had the highest ranking. I love every single second of UAGM, but especially the 2nd verse through the instrumental section is amazing.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 19, 2022, 03:44:07 PM
Small observation: even though it will become obvious what big songs are left as we get closer and closer to the end, the less spotlighting (posting about remaining songs by listing them by name), the better. :)

Plenty of fun and chatter can still be had without it.  :) :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 19, 2022, 05:47:10 PM
Kind of funny that today's songs finished back to back considering they might be the band's two most played songs of the last 20+ years.

28 The Spirit Carries On
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 1 (DragonAttack)


This has consistently been a top 10 DT song for me since Scenes was released and I had it at 8 here.  Amazing song in every way imaginable.  It slays live every time, and the band is wise to play it as often as they do.


27 Pull Me Under
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 13 (Cool Chris)


I am sure I am one of many whose intro to Dream Theater was hearing this song.  And nearly 30 years later, it's still pretty damn bad ass.  It has aged very well.  I had it 32.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: jammindude on January 19, 2022, 06:09:48 PM
I’ll post a catch-up post tomorrow. But I have to admit I’m a little amazed that PMU had zero top 10s.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 19, 2022, 06:11:06 PM
I’ll post a catch-up post tomorrow. But I have to admit I’m a little amazed that PMU had zero top 10s.

That is a bit surprising, but it did have nine top 25 finishes.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 19, 2022, 06:11:45 PM
But I have to admit I’m a little amazed that PMU had zero top 10s.

I'd be more amazed if they had any Top 10's.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 19, 2022, 06:17:12 PM
Kind of funny that today's songs finished back to back considering they might be the band's two most played songs of the last 20+ years.

28 The Spirit Carries On
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 1 (DragonAttack)


This has consistently been a top 10 DT song for me since Scenes was released and I had it at 8 here.  Amazing song in every way imaginable.  It slays live every time, and the band is wise to play it as often as they do.


27 Pull Me Under
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 13 (Cool Chris)


I am sure I am one of many whose intro to Dream Theater was hearing this song.  And nearly 30 years later, it's still pretty damn bad ass.  It has aged very well.  I had it 32.


I had Pull Me Under at #56. I've been going through my I&W and Awake Era boots the last couple of weeks, and this song was a beast. It was the first song I ever saw them play live and it was life changing. That said, I couldn't get it into my Top 50.


I had The Spirit Carries On at #27, so yeah..appropriate. It's a magnificent song for sure. 2nd song so far to make it on 25 lists?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 19, 2022, 06:19:04 PM
The Spirit Carries On is one of those songs that I objectively think of as a pretty good song, but subjectively it doesn’t resonate with me. I know the sentiment in the lyrics is all part of the story, but the reincarnation aspect of it mixed with the gospel choir has always struck me as really odd (and a bit cliched). I also just think the melody is really sing-songy (like something from Sesame Street). Among DT’s more Beatles-ish ballads, I much prefer Anna Lee to be honest. But the solo is really good and a dramatic high point on SFAM. All told, it came in at 48 for me.

Pull Me Under was of course massively influential for me, and that intro will always resonate I think. Just so much atmosphere and the mystery in those opening chords, MP’s slow drum build, and Kevin Moore’s amazing keyboard part. Unfortunately, the rest of the song has really suffered from overplay for me. I also don’t think the lyrics have aged all that well. At one time I’m sure this would have been top 10 for me, but I have it down at 31 on my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 19, 2022, 06:20:53 PM
What a perfect pairing, two great songs that I struggle with due to overplaying... Pull Me Under is what got me into the band however so is held up by some fond nostalgia.

Had TSCO at 72 and PMU at 25
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 19, 2022, 07:29:20 PM
28 The Spirit Carries On #49
27 Pull Me Under #50
Both songs are big hits for the most casual fan base and for well deserved reasons, although I think, because they were overplayed live, I have some dificult to enjoy them as much as I did in the pass. Anyway, PMU was an amazing first taste of DT that changed it all musically for me and TSCO is still a great, very emotive song with a top 5 JP solo. So they had to be in my DT Top 50 and I put them in the last spots!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 19, 2022, 08:55:12 PM
TSCO: #39. Great song, can't say I've seen it live but imagine it delivers.

PMU: #13 Some nostalgia bias, but can put this song on all these years later and it will still sound fresh and crisp as a cracker.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 19, 2022, 09:06:56 PM
I’ll post a catch-up post tomorrow. But I have to admit I’m a little amazed that PMU had zero top 10s.

And that it missed three lists  :o  Then again, I'll be guilty of not including one or two of those remaining as well.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 19, 2022, 09:12:36 PM
Sorry if I have missed it, but has any song been ranked on all 26 lists yet?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 19, 2022, 09:19:03 PM
But I have to admit I’m a little amazed that PMU had zero top 10s.

I'd be more amazed if they had any Top 10's.

Agree.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 19, 2022, 09:35:37 PM
Sorry if I have missed it, but has any song been ranked on all 26 lists yet?

No.

Songs that were on 24 lists were Wait For Sleep, Overture 1928, Misunderstood, Endless Sacrifice, Panic Attack, The Enemy Inside, and Pale Blue Dot (listed in order of release)

Outcry (#37) and The Spirit Carries On (#27) made it onto 25 lists

(As Foghorn Leghorn might say, "Fortunately, I've been copying/pasting Kev's results to Word for just such an occasion.")
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 19, 2022, 09:40:46 PM
Pull Me Under
My ranking: #74. This is a great song. While I don't have it anywhere near the top, I would say this is a song that deserves all the praise it gets. Radio hit or not, it's an enjoyable listen from start to finish and I can't see myself getting tired of this one.

The Spirit Carries On
My ranking: #15. This is such a cathartic song, especially in context of Metropolis Part 2. This is a rare instance of a song so good that it affects my rankings of another song; in this instance, Regression is significantly higher than it would've been otherwise, because of that gorgeous reprise in The Spirit Carries On at 4:22 (Regression is at #118 in my rankings, if you're wondering). Everything about this song is just about perfect; even the female singer from Through Her Eyes sounds great here!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 19, 2022, 10:29:58 PM
One person not having TSCO in their 100 is mindblowing.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 20, 2022, 12:59:54 AM
30 Beyond This Life #80
29 Under a Glass Moon #53
28 the Spirit Carries On #26
27 Pull Me Under #-

I know the sentiment in the lyrics is all part of the story, but the reincarnation aspect of it mixed with the gospel choir has always struck me as really odd (and a bit cliched).

You mention something I haven't thought of before, but now can hardly put it aside I'll think.

With Pull Me Under I got a little Nothing Else Matters-feeling. It's definitely a good song, but heard it too often and is a little too mainstream, for my ears.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 20, 2022, 01:16:30 AM
28 The Spirit Carries On #33

This is a really beautiful song. One of the best moments of the Distant Memories tour was the tension and build-up to this song. This is a great song that talks about questioning what happens after you die. It relates to the story in a nice epic way as well with Nicholas coming to terms with his answer that he believes his spirit will carry on, based on his dreams and hypnotic visions of this girl who died. I find this one an interesting sort of foreshadow with it's message and how it relates to Nicholas in Finally Free. I really enjoy the addition of the gospel choir and Teresa Tompson on LSFNY, they add that extra oomph to the song to make it that much more majestic. It emphasizes the meaning and emotion of how Nicholas feels with this realization.

27 Pull Me Under (Did Not Rank)

I'm one that didn't rank this song and here's why. It's a fantastic song, and was my first song by Dream Theater I heard while hanging out with my cousin and listening to the radio. Now, it's one I have to be in the mood to listen to. It's played all the time, and I myself have heard it a lot. There are times where I feel I am tired of hearing the song and there are moments where I will be singing along. The reason it's not on my list is there are so many other songs that I have a closer bond with. It's also the song that everyone knows, while there are so many other great songs by the band that deserve just as much attention and praise from the casual audience. I do like how they played with the tempo of the song live a couple of times with the "warped version". I actually liked the way it sounded half a step down when played on the I&W&B tour, and I enjoyed it a lot there because it wasn't played as the encore song and also it is a part of Images and Words and it really is a great way to begin an album.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 20, 2022, 04:03:08 AM
I don't quite understand how any DT song could have the tag 'overplayed'.  I mean, I get it but I still think its a slight stretch.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 20, 2022, 06:32:39 AM
I don't quite understand how any DT song could have the tag 'overplayed'.  I mean, I get it but I still think its a slight stretch.

I suspect they mean relative to other DT songs in the context of how often they are played live.  No clue how accurate setlist.fm is, but it shows Pull Me Under as their most played song ever, and The Spirit Carries On as their 3rd most played song ever.  Makes sense in both cases, as Pull Me Under is by far their biggest "hit" ever, and The Spirit Carries On is a major fan favorite that crowds go nuts for nearly every time.  I suspect both are songs the more casual DT fans are likely to know and enjoy more than most others.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 20, 2022, 07:25:51 AM
I don't quite understand how any DT song could have the tag 'overplayed'.  I mean, I get it but I still think its a slight stretch.

I suspect they mean relative to other DT songs in the context of how often they are played live.  No clue how accurate setlist.fm is, but it shows Pull Me Under as their most played song ever, and The Spirit Carries On as their 3rd most played song ever.  Makes sense in both cases, as Pull Me Under is by far their biggest "hit" ever, and The Spirit Carries On is a major fan favorite that crowds go nuts for nearly every time.  I suspect both are songs the more casual DT fans are likely to know and enjoy more than most others.

I think it’s just that a lot of us became hooked on DT with I&W, and Pull Me Under is the first track on that album so most likely you’ve played it to death by now if you’ve been a fan long enough. That and it also is probably more likely to show up live, though for some of us that’s less of an issue probably (I’ve never seen them live for one).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 20, 2022, 11:02:27 AM
The anniversary tours certainly boosted the totals for TSCO (as well as PMU).  Having seen every tour from 2003 onwards, it was not until 2012 before I finally had a chance to see it performed (and then twice during their last two tours).

I can relate to the 'overplaying' of a song diminishing the enjoyment.  After 'Wayne's World', I swear I couldn't swing a dead cat without hearing 'Bohemian Rhapsody' whenever I turned on the radio or walked into someone's office.  Still my favorite song of all time, whether it be the studio version, any official live or bootleg version, but there was a time when I'd switch the station or walk out of an office when I heard it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 20, 2022, 02:14:17 PM
I guess its like Maiden and Run to the Hills, Number of the Beast etc.

I knew all that although PMU and TSCO while overplayed are still as good as their other songs.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: The Realm on January 20, 2022, 03:02:49 PM
I don't quite understand how any DT song could have the tag 'overplayed'.  I mean, I get it but I still think its a slight stretch.

I totally agree. I don't get this when it comes to ranking the greatest songs by a band? If it is 'overplayed' doesn't that mean that maybe it is great? I just don't understand how this can be a negative against the song.

PMU is the first Dream Theater song I ever heard and I was completely blown away by it. However I am more blown away by the fact that not everyone had it in their top 100 - absolutely mind blown!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 20, 2022, 04:30:59 PM

#28 The Spirit Carries On  - 38.  A beautiful song. Great live. Great in the album.


#27  Pull Me Under  -  32.  I remember the day I first heard this song. I think in 1995. My cousin, who I was living with, says "you gotta hear this song". I remember having 2 thoughts. "Wow! their music is big and awesome!, and "Who the heck is that singer? That is the best rock singer I have ever heard!" And then I never heard or thought anything about Dream Theater again for a long time. I was moving cross-country, different jobs, having fun! And no internet. So, just took what came my way.  Years and years later when we just started getting the ipods, or being able to download songs on our phones, that was one of a few songs I managed to get on my phone and listen to. I never forgot that song, and always felt like it was one of the best songs ever. How amazed and excited I was to discover a couple years later that DT has a whole plethora of music - and lots even better than PMU!. 32 is good place for this song for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 20, 2022, 06:16:02 PM
Two more!!

26 Take the Time
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 8 (Elite, TAC, erciccio)


I was taken aback to see this left off four lists and finish pretty low on a few others, but enough us were smart :P and ranked it pretty high to where it still got to 26. This still feels too low, but small sample size and all.  I had it 9, one spot three who it at 8.  Magnificent song from start to finish, featuring some of JLB's best singing ever.


25 In the Presence of Enemies
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 5 (geeeemo)


This finishing ahead of Take the Time feels a little gross, but I know we fans love those long songs.  I was one of the two who didn't rank it.  I likely would have ranked both on their own (though neither would be very high at all), but as a single entity, it doesn't work well as a 25 minute plus song. I never listen to it as a single song, thus I could not rank it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 20, 2022, 06:39:40 PM
I'm a bit surprised ITPOE made it on 24 of the 26 lists considering the hate SC gets. I had it at 28 myself. I really love most of it.


I literally cannot fathom Take The Time being left off completely.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 20, 2022, 07:35:02 PM
Take the Time
My ranking: Not ranked (#136). This was one of two songs that I predicted could have ended up being that song in the Top 5 where not everyone had it in their Top 100. This song's nice, it's just heavily outclassed by many, many other Dream Theater songs. There are some particularly good parts, but when you're dealing with Dream Theater's discography, some songs will inevitably have to place somewhere towards the bottom despite their good qualities.

In the Presence of Enemies
My ranking: #14. I love every part of this song. Prelude is a great instrumental opening, Resurrection is an excellent follow-up to Prelude, Heretic has this really cool and eerie atmosphere and I enjoy how it progresses, Slaughter of the Damned is awesome, The Reckoning is a really cool instrumental (I'm not sure why some people seem to dislike it so much), and Salvation is the perfect way to end the song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 20, 2022, 08:01:36 PM
I have Take the Time at 20. Like PMU, at one point it would have been much higher but I’ve also worn it out a bit over time. But it’s a great song, one of the DT trademark tracks. The “unbroken spirit obscured and disquiet” section is definitely one of James’ best moments. The instrumental section is also one of DT’s finest, and a style that they don’t explore often enough IMO (The Way It Used To Be has kind of a similar feel). It’s hard to imagine the universe where this is this not one of DT’s top 100 songs!

ITPOE is at 98 because I needed to put something there. :P
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 20, 2022, 08:06:48 PM
Had Take the Time at #33. Great song, just have a few more that rank above it.

I love ItPoE, and had it at #9. Someone once asked on the forum what the best part of this song was. I answered "This is the easiest question I've answered all week: James." In the hands (voice?) of a lesser singer, this song would fall somewhere between mediocre and silly. That "Dark Master" section probably should be ridiculous, but James is able to elevate it to something special.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 20, 2022, 08:13:24 PM
Someone once asked on the forum what the best part of this song was. I answered "This is the easiest question I've answered all week: James." In the hands (voice?) of a lesser singer, this song would fall somewhere between mediocre and silly. That "Dark Master" section probably should be ridiculous, but James is able to elevate it to something special.


I agree Chris. Say what you want about Constant Motion or The Dark Eternal Night, but James is spectacular on Systematic Chaos. They don't ask a for a ton of range from him on that album, but what he does sing is perfect. I know most people rate SC pretty low, and I understand why, but I think James' performance on this album is way overlooked.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 20, 2022, 08:26:05 PM
I will happily say what I want about Constant Motion or The Dark Eternal Night... they are awful, and fail to do what ItPoE (that acronym still gives me trouble) does so well: showcase the talents of one of the best singers in the genre.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 20, 2022, 08:30:01 PM
I will happily say what I want about Constant Motion or The Dark Eternal Night... they are awful, and fail to do what ItPoE (that acronym still gives me trouble) does so well: showcase the talents of one of the best singers in the genre.

No, they don't showcase the talents of James...you're right. I was saying that.  :P But songs like Prophets Of War, The Ministry Of Lost Souls....James is fantastic on.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 20, 2022, 08:33:36 PM
Sorry, yes, he shines on most of that album. And a main reason I have ItPoE so high on my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 20, 2022, 10:33:48 PM
#26 Take the Time  -  43 for me. I really enjoy it, I think because I didnt hear I&W in the beginning, but more of their later music first, I dont have the same love for  it as others. As I look at my list, I could have put it even a bit lower.

#25 In the Presence of Enemies  - 5. I have only been through 2 tours, so when they played (and I didnt know it was coming) part 1, I was thrilled. Would have loved to have part 2 as well. It is a regular go to song - the live version when I mountain bike. Its a great story, that has a positve ending. I can see in my minds eye it all play out. Much of it makes me think of Sidious in Star Wars and the circle (was it in  episode7?). This has the things I love about DT. Story, heavy, epic, long.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: 425 on January 20, 2022, 11:04:40 PM
28. The Spirit Carries On
My ranking: #41

I'm a little bit sympathetic to the sentiment that this one gets too much attention compared to other songs, but when I listen to it, I have to say that it really cannot be denied. It's a very good song. JP is fantastic all over it, JLB does an excellent performance, including the switch to the high-pitched Victoria part, and the finale is grand. It's definitely a song that goes to the next level in the context of SFAM, too.


27. Pull Me Under
My ranking: #23

This is the first Dream Theater song I heard—so original, right? But look, this song opened a whole new world for me in terms not only of how complex music could be, but also in terms of how bright and melodic metal could be. This song just glimmers, in a good way. And I was astounded by James. The way he hits some of the high, clean parts on this song is unreal. I'll always prefer the clean chorus of the studio version compared to any of the live performances where he sort of grits it up, although those aren't bad by any means.

At the end of the day, they can play this one as many times as they want, I'm still going to get excited when I hear those opening guitar chords, knowing that something magical is about to happen. Beautiful start to a beautiful album.


26. Take the Time
My ranking: #22

This is an awesome song that I might have under-ranked just a bit (listening to it and UAGM—my #20—the last couple of days, I enjoyed TTT a bit more).

My first impression of this song was that it's cool how they managed to do something that's a bit funky while still keeping in tune with the style of Images and Words. I really like the idea of having each of the verses written by a different band member, and it's really cool how a different style comes across in each verse, both in the melody and in James's approach. "Unbroken spirit obscured and disquiet" is my favorite—just a tour de force by JLB. And, of course, the finale is fantastic.

It's unfortunate that they never figured out how to do justice by this song in a live setting. Aside from the matter of the second verse being un-singable, they never really figured out how to do the chorus.


25. In the Presence of Enemies
My ranking: #18

There's actually only one DT epic I would place decisively ahead of this one. There's another one that's one place ahead of it on my list, but that choice could really have gone either way. You can say what you want about the rest of Systematic Chaos; In the Presence of Enemies works. It works its way all the up to the elite ranks of my top 20 DT songs.

While I prefer to listen to it as a single composition, the one thing I like about the decision to split it apart is that ITPOE1 is a top-tier nine-minute prog metal piece on its own. But I don't actually think there is a step down in quality going into Part II. Heretic is superb. The build-up here is incredible, and the "Angels fall" chorus is perfectly suited to the piece. And the finale is really good, a latter-day James highlight. While the two sections between are the weakest in the piece, they are still parts I really enjoy a lot, and I don't think they drag it down much.

Part of what makes ITPOE work is that the music and lyrics really complement each other. I can see how the story is a little hokey, but I think it's suitable for a prog metal epic, and there are a lot of good thematic ties to the music. Especially Heretic, which really feels like the meeting of some secret coven.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 20, 2022, 11:06:05 PM
Totally agree that having Take the Time rank behind ITPOE is gross.

TTT would likely be top 15 for me, maybe even top 10 and I don’t think I would have ITPOE ranked at all.

Petrucci and James are just amazing in TTT
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 20, 2022, 11:58:06 PM
Seeing ITPOE above Take The Time was a total shock for me!
 :natalieportman: :natalieportman:

IM(not-so)HO there is more creativity and talent in the TTT unison alone than in the whole ITPOE.

But de gustibus non est disputanda (are we really sure? :sad:)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 21, 2022, 12:49:15 AM
26 Take The Time (Did Not Rank)

Although the song does have an excellent groove, I just never could get into this song as much as their other songs that did make my list. That does not mean I think it sucks. I enjoy the groove of it, and I enjoy the use of the samples in the first verse. It is a fantastic live song, and I am glad I got to see it, I sang along during the chorus and the ending chorus. I enjoyed it a lot more due to it being played in the album order, and it being extended.


25 In The Presence of Enemies #20

I am one that enjoys Systematic Chaos. I was anticipating Dream Theaters new album after Octavarium, it was the first new album of the band I got to experience as a fan. When I first heard the notes to the album I was intrigued. Then when the guitar solo hit, I loved it and was excited to hear that tone. The music in part 2 makes me imagine the story in an anime style. The bass and keyboard atmosphere in Heretic is amazing. I got to witness part 1 and I was really excited when I heard the opening notes. I just need to hear part 2.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 21, 2022, 07:01:18 AM
26 Take the Time (#23)
Amazing song: it's epic, prog, very commercial in the chorus and with a lot of groove - one of the most unique songs in DT's catalogue.

25 In the Presence of Enemies (#28)
Originally I submitted my list with the pt.1 at # 28 and pt.2 at # 82 (?!). Needles to say, although I like a lot pt. 2, I think pt. 1 is much better. IMO it would be more correct to vote in pt.1 and pt.2 separately, because the band released them originally this way, not as a continuous piece of music. Like we did with the 12 Step Suite, as we submittted its parts separately. Kev, I'm not complaining - we all are doing this just for fun (and thank you a lot for this really cool thread!). Just sharing an opinion.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Dream Team on January 21, 2022, 11:20:54 AM
TTT suffers from 2 things for me, although I have it ranked in my list: I don’t like James’ singing in the first verse, and JP’s great solo fades out way too early. Definitely did not have ITPoE ranked.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 21, 2022, 08:00:18 PM
Today's two!!

24 Strange Déjà Vu
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (NoFred)


I had this at 27, so this feels about right.  As I mentioned with Overture 1928 was featured, if that and this were considered one song, it would be top 20 for me, and I suspect it would have finished top 20 here overall, but 24 is still highly respectable.


23 Illumination Theory
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 2 (Wim Kruithof)


This took quite a tumble for me when I did the rankings engine.  I had it at 67 originally, yet it finished at 100 the second time around.  I love parts of it, especially the ambient and orchestral sections in the middle, but I find the ending to not quite land right.  The background vocals just sound kinda weird. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 21, 2022, 08:36:56 PM
I have Strange Deja Vu at 29, so about in line with the forum.

IT I have at 89. It is in line with how I feel about much of DT12. It is a good song. That's it. There is nothing particularly special or memorable about it. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 21, 2022, 08:44:32 PM
I'm pretty sure I had IT in my top 5, would have to check.  To me, the ending is possibly the best the band has ever done.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 21, 2022, 08:59:16 PM
Strange De Ja Vu was at 26 for me, so this is just about right. Great opener for SFAM.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 22, 2022, 12:56:05 AM
26 Take the Time #-
25 In the Presence of Enemies #52
24 Strange Déjà Vu #95
23 Illumination Theory #2

From the whole discography, I find ranking the individual Scenes from a Memory-songs the hardest. Just can't really see them as separate songs and somehow always include the concept-thought. Same as with the Astonishing, though.

Illumination Theory is amongst my top 3. Although they can switch positions every once in a while, it has been top 3 since the first time I heard it and it shall never fall out of the top 5 I would say. From the Paradox de la Lumière Noire hair raises on my arm, 'cause you know by the groove of it, there's a momentum coming up that holds your grab for a while. Part II Live, Die, Kill is not the most extraordinary part, but sets the tone perfectly and builds the fundation of that overwhelming Embracing Circle section. It's a long piece but not by one seconds I lose any interrest. Of all their orchestral sections on any album, I'll think this one stands out at most lovely, most beautiful placed and most bombastic. Wonderful. The Pursuit of Truth brings the metal back in, with heavy riffs and beautiful simularity by Rudess, Petrucci and Myung.

When the song reaches it's final segments, everything before builds up this grand finale and man... how beautiful LaBrie delivered Surrender, Trust & Passion is beyond everything I've ever heard. It has brought tears in my eyes many, many times. From "to really feel the joy in life... till "on that cold and endless nights, you'll never be alone," I'm moved and overwhelmed.

But then he even tops his own magnificant piece by "passion grows within your heart, like a furnace burning bright. Untill you struggle through the dark, you'll never know that you're alive." That moment, the rare moment where the music takes over again and LaBrie's voice fades in the epic ending, that totally justified the number 2 spot on my list. An absolute wonderful, wonderful song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 22, 2022, 10:25:56 AM
#24 Strange DejaVu  14. Begins the greatest run of music for me. An album with this many fantastic rockers and heart tugging songs can't be beaten in my view

#23 Illumination Theory  - 3. I absolutely love this song. What Wim said I agree whole-heartily with. The live version evem more so. Yes, I have cried to this, and the message it so true.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 22, 2022, 10:45:38 AM
The Spirit Carries on was my #10. The catharsis of Scenes, featuring one of JP's best solos. What's not to love?

Pull me Under was #37 on my list and that still feels about right. Bottom half of Images & Words, easily, but still a very good track.

Take the Time is amazing and I'm glad to be featured in the group of posters who ranked it highest (my #8). Doesn't need that much more explanation; good vocals, cool groove, great guitar work.. what does need explanation is the 4 people that didn't include this song!

I had In the Presence of Enemies at #18, because it's awesome. Systematic Chaos was the first DT album release I consciously witnessed, so this album will hold somewhat of a special place to me, but moreso because I have played this song on guitar - like a lot. I can't remember if I did well, but it was fun.

Strange Deja-Vu is waaaay too high (I had it at #56), but that's alright, it's still a good track and the first vocal thing (not counting Regression) that leads us into SFAM. I have played this one as well. My band even recorded a cover version of this (and Overture 1928) on our first EP. Good times. I know this song by heart, and it's cool.

I'm one of the two people who did not rank Illumination Theory (#132 with the ranking engine), and since some of the above posts are quite personal in a sense (aside from 6(!) top 10 finishes), I'll just leave it at that. I do not like the song, at all. Frankly, I think it's one of the worst pieces of music DT has made, even though it does contain some cool moments. But never mind my opinion there, general consensus shows I'm wrong.

I have a good idea of what songs to expect still, bar ONE. I can fill 20 of the remaining 21 places, so there's probably a surprise in there for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 22, 2022, 11:36:07 AM
Take the Time is amazing and I'm glad to be featured in the group of posters who ranked it highest (my #8). Doesn't need that much more explanation; good vocals, cool groove, great guitar work.. what does need explanation is the 4 people that didn't include this song!

Alright, I'll give it a shot. Mostly, the story of the piece doesn't strike me at all. Time to take the time, nah... too regular and too much of an open door to like, for me then. The intro is nice, absolutely and the riffs are pleasant. Once again LaBrie delivered an extraordinary piece of work and I love Kevin Moore playing. But as soon as the chorus comes, from "you can feel the waves coming on.." I think the song devaluates. Not to a bad level, it's still pretty descent and would top many many bands, but it just doesn't stand out to me as one of their best 100 songs.

But reading that you honestly consider Illumination Theory one of their worst pieces ever made... I assume you and me are loving Dream Theater from a whole other spectrum.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 22, 2022, 12:46:53 PM
24 Strange Deja Vu (#43)
I hear the scenes from SFAM as the complete songs, with the exception of DOE/OLT. Anyway, I think Overture 1928/SDV are equally great, complementig each other!

23 Illumination Theory (#30)
I wish the middle section, while very beautiful, had less nature sounds and that the band played along with the orchestra - like the overture of 6 degrees - to give a more sense of continuity and to sound more like a one cohesive song. To compesate that, the other sections are amazing, so it’s still a excellent epic!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 22, 2022, 01:24:58 PM
Last two before we hit the top 20!!

22 Blind Faith
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (Laughingplace56)


Always been a big fan of this one.  This has never been a top 20 song for me, but always stayed in that next tier or two, and it finished at 35 for me this time around.  Love the vibe, and Rudess and LaBrie really shine in this one.


21 Space Dye Vest
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 3 (Elite, ZirconBlue)


That has always been one of my favorites, but as I have aged and mellowed a tad, it has become even more of a favorite to where it finished at 4 on my list.  I was thrilled to see that two others had it ranked even higher!  I wasn't surprised to see it left off a few, as there has always been a vocal minority that really dislikes it, but it's good to see that many love enough for it to almost make the top 20.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 22, 2022, 01:31:06 PM
Blind Faith: #10. Just realized I have 2 songs from the first 6D disc in the Top 10.

Space Dye Vest: #28. Along with songs like Disappear and Beneath the Surface, I would not want DT's catalog to be full of songs like these, but having a few songs like them makes me appreciate and love them all the more because of it.

Top 20 coming up. Getting serious now.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 22, 2022, 01:38:12 PM
I like Blind Faith (#28). There's a bunch of vocal lines in there with cool delivery and the unison solo section is one of the band's best. Cool track, though it doesn't really interest me lyrically it's still a fun tune to sing along to as well.

Space Dye Vest is the song from Awake that hit me even harder than Innocence Faded (my #5) as a teen when I heard it the first time. It's probably the most emotional moment in Dream Theater's entire discography; a unique song compared to the rest of their material. Putting it at #3 was easy, though it could be swapped with my #4 (which so far hasn't shown up) on a different day. This song probably means more to me on an emotional level than the two I put above it. This is probably one of those songs that when you get it (7 top 10 finishes!), it means a lot to you, and when you don't, you dislike it to some extent. I'm firmly in the former group and that's likely not changing.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 22, 2022, 01:52:49 PM
24 Strange Déjà Vu
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (NoFred)



I have Strange Deja Vu at #40. I really like it. When I think of DT songs, it doesn't jump out at me, but it never disappoints and always gets me going.

23 Illumination Theory
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 2 (Wim Kruithof)


I had Illumination Theory at #42. If it didn't have that needless orchestra section in the middle, it'd be Top 20. I had my son edit it out. It's the most useless passage in their catalog since they decided to make the Six Degrees second disc.



22 Blind Faith
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (Laughingplace56)


KEV>>"Always been a big fan of this one.  This has never been a top 20 song for me, but always stayed in that next tier or two, and it finished at 35 for me this time around.  Love the vibe, and Rudess and LaBrie really shine in this one. "

I agree with this. I have it at #53, but feel the same way. I think it'd be higher, but ..well, I'll blame the ranker.

21 Space Dye Vest
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 3 (Elite, ZirconBlue)


The most surprising thing about Space Dye Vest is that it actually made 23 lists. I would've thought more people would've left it off. Me? I love it and rank it at #5. They crushed it on the AFTR tour.



Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 22, 2022, 02:17:20 PM
Wow, I did not expect Blind Faith to finish this high! I have it right there at 24, but I was always under the impression it was a little overshadowed on SDOIT. It’s easily my favorite track on that album, and the highest rated post SFAM track for me (actually The Dance of Eternity is the only SFAM track above it). I love the guitar tone on this song. It’s full and heavy without bashing you over the head too much. The instrumental section is killer, and while I’ve never quite gotten the lyrics, I think James did a solid job on them and his voice sounds great too.

Space-Dye Vest is 14 for me. Brilliant track with great atmosphere and lots of fun sound bites. I remember watching Room With a View for the first time and being able to quote the lines word for word. I also will drop the Conan lines into conversation from time to time. I love everything about this track, and I’m really glad the band didn’t abandon it after Kevin announced he was leaving. To me the outro is the perfect ending to Awake and a nice close to the Kevin Moore chapter of the band.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 22, 2022, 05:40:21 PM
22 Blind Faith (#36)
When I've heard it for the first time, My initial reaction was "Falling Into Infinity meets Liquid Tension Experiment?! WOW". After The Glass Prision, sure 6 Degrees wanted to impress me...

21 Space Dye Vest (#54)
One of the most unique songs in DT's catalogue. The excellent Awake's production really shines here. Incredible "ballad", so powerful and distant.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 22, 2022, 06:37:43 PM
Strange Deja Vu
My ranking: #78. I'm surprised Strange Deja Vu ranked this high... but at the same time, I feel like my personal ranking of it is a little too low. This is how I would describe Strange Deja Vu: 0:00-2:30 is pretty good stuff, very enjoyable. 2:31-5:11 takes the song to a new level of greatness, and makes this one of those songs that instantly reminds me why I hold Dream Theater in such high regard.

Illumination Theory
My ranking: #4. One of Dream Theater's all-time best songs. This song shows everything Dream Theater is about and it is executed perfectly. The standout parts for me are The Embracing Circle, the instrumental section in The Pursuit of Truth, and the "easter egg" ending. This whole song is perfection. I love every part of it.

Blind Faith
My ranking: #13. This song used to be my second-favorite song on Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, but in more recent months it got knocked back to fourth place. But on my previous ranking of Dream Theater songs, this was at #12, so I still think just as highly of this song as I always have. It's a tough decision to make for certain, but this song has possibly the greatest instrumental section in DT's entire discography. Everything else in this song is of a similar quality, too. I also really enjoy the atmosphere of this song. It has this mysterious and almost lonely feel to it, a bit like Misunderstood. This song is so brilliantly made, and I wish I could rank it even higher.

Space-Dye Vest
My ranking: #19. When it comes to Space-Dye Vest, I'm in the "I love it" camp. While there are a couple other DT ballads I consider better, there's no other like this song. It feels very dark and hopeless, yet it's not in a depressing way like Disappear is. My favorite part of this song is at 4:40 and beyond, when the vocals come back and the guitar and drums come in not long after. The lyrics in this section are some of my favorites in any Dream Theater song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 22, 2022, 06:42:19 PM
It's funny to hear you guys mention sections of Illumination Theory by name. I couldn't even name one section.  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 22, 2022, 08:25:38 PM
It's funny to hear you guys mention sections of Illumination Theory by name. I couldn't even name one section.  :lol

I know! I had forgotten there were sections that had names. But I probably couldn't name each section of A Change of Seasons, and that is one of my favorite DT songs. So what do I know?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 22, 2022, 08:26:21 PM
It's funny to hear you guys mention sections of Illumination Theory by name. I couldn't even name one section.  :lol

I know! I had forgotten there were sections that had names. But I probably couldn't name each section of A Change of Seasons, and that is one of my favorite DT songs.

Neither could I and I've been listening to that since it came out.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: 425 on January 22, 2022, 09:32:00 PM
24. Strange Deja Vu
My ranking: #30

I ranked this one right next to Overture 1928 (one spot ahead), not because I'm among those who treat them as one piece (I actually find it pretty easy to split them up), but because I find them almost equally excellent.

This is just a really energetic, exciting song and a great entrance into the story proper. This is the first instance on SFAM where a single chorus is sung by multiple different characters to express a similar emotion about different specifics, which is a device I really, really like.  Also really good are that one bass groove and the vocals.


23. Illumination Theory
My ranking: #36

This is last for me among the big (15+ minute) epics, but that's far from meaning that I dislike the song. I think it's the oddball among the DT epics, with its long mid-song break and sort of staccato vocal melodies, but it has its own charm. The first vocal section is the weak point, to me, but from the orchestral break to the end, I think it's all very good. I really like the guitar solo at about 13:08.


22. Blind Faith
My ranking: #54

Like most of Six Degrees, this is not a song I love as much as the fanbase in general, but I still think it's quite good. I really like Jordan's use of piano on this one, and I agree that the instrumental break is really good.


21. Space Dye Vest
My ranking: #33

I used to have this one a little higher. It was a song I went to a lot in the past, which I now don't really listen to outside of the full Awake album, but it definitely holds up as a piece of music. I think it really shows the emotional power of Kevin Moore's distinct style. I also really like the subtle way the guitar and drums are used in the latter half of the song. And the combination of James's restrained performance and KM's backing vocals really works. I think it's a great, unique ending to Awake.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 23, 2022, 12:22:05 AM
24. Strange Deja Vu
My ranking: 32

Very cool song, but works better in the context of the full album, I never go back to it as a stand alone song


23. Illumination Theory
My ranking: #19

I've not fallen in love at first sight with this one, but every time I go back to it I have to admit it's really really good...
A few moments are really top-notch (the main riff, the piano-drums "unison", the outro..)
Like most of you noticed already, it's a bit "disconnected"...but the classical section is really cool, taken as a "stand alone" moment of music


22. Blind Faith
My ranking: #78

Like most of Six Degrees, this is not a song I love as much as the fanbase in general, but I still think it's quite good. (I left this comment by 425 untouched, I feel the same way about this song!)

21. Space Dye Vest
My ranking: #9

Well, this was such a brave way to finish an album..
When I was younger and more often in a "dark" mood, this was probably a top-3 song for me..("and I'll never be open again"...who hasn't felt that way after the end of a love story?)
I still love it a lot, but I don't get back to it that often.
But a few moments in this song are so intense that really move me to cry, even today.


Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 23, 2022, 03:05:26 AM
TTT - 33 - Wonderful song
ITPOE - 54
SD-V -  :lol Somehow doing this list in like half an hour I totally missed this song.  That sucks, I'd have it between 30-40.  It should have been on 26 lists!  :facepalm:
IT - 5
BF - 6 - Fucking love this song
SDV - 62
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on January 23, 2022, 07:45:32 AM
Vacation and work made me miss waaaay too much here to catch up fully, so I’ll just join back in now  :lol

28. The Spirit Carries On
My Ranking: #75

In retrospect that’s probably a bit too low. I’m not a huge fan of the lyrics, but the guitar solo is obviously world class and I love the verse right after it. Best version is on Score for sure, JP’s intro is world class.


27. Pull Me Under
My ranking: #67

Important song, always fun, but they have released loads better.


26. Take the Time
My ranking: #17

This song is just so much fun in every way. Probably my favorite drum performance by Portnoy on I&W, lyrics are a lot of fun, and JLB SLAYS this on the album. I agree with the sentiments above wishing they found a way to play this more live, as it’s such a great concert song.
 

25. In the Presence of Enemies
My ranking: #28

I might rank part 1 in my top 15 had I separated them, but the song as a whole is still a great deal of fun. The intro is classic DT, and JP has one of my favorite melodies of his in that opening solo. Wonder if we’ll ever see this played live in full again (with them playing pt. 1 last tour, I kinda doubt it).


24. Strange Dejavu
My Ranking: #15

I have no problem with this being separated from Overture 1928, as that one made my top 10 and it definitely serves its purpose well in the context of the album. SDV is a great intro to the story and has great performances all around. Wish they sped up the second half when playing it live like they used to.

Illumination Theory
My Ranking: #20

My first “new” epic with DT back in 2013. DT12 as a whole is one where if you asked me “what is Dream Theater all about?”, I would tell you it’s this album. It kinda hits every major style point that they’ve used throughout their career; some of those examples are great and some are just ok. This song has both. The intro through the ambient part and the instrumental part before the last verse are the extra great parts and some of my favorite DT moments. The “mothers for their children” verse and the Octavarium copycat ending are lackluster, which is why this song didn’t make my top 10, but overall it still slays.


22. Blind Faith
My Ranking: #2

The Glass Prison-Blind Faith-Misunderstood-The Great Debate is the greatest 4 song streak in DT history, and all 4 songs make my top 13. This song has everything I look for in a DT song. That rhythm section groove to leas the beginning  the song with keyboards and guitar acting as the support is a great start. The lyrics are definitely my favorite effort by JLB. The drumming throughout the song (like all of 6DOIT) is Portnoy’s best work in his discography IMO; he does a lot of really interesting and unique things on this album that really make it stand apart. The “and still life pushes on” verse before the instrumental section is world class, and the instrumental section itself is amazing as well. My main complaint about DT after this album is there’s not many long instrumental sections  in their songs that feel as fresh and original as this one does; it’s not *just* a couple lightning fast trading solos; you’ve got the rhythmic section after JP’s solo we’re Rudess is riffing on the keys in the background before exploding into his full solo, and the unison feels fully locked in, with both of them and Portnoy driving it to a definite finish before the last verse (my favorite unison section they’ve ever done). This song is complete perfection, and I hope I get to see it live someday.


21. Space Dye-Vest
Ranking: #49

Very nice song and it comes off amazing live. Really glad they took the chance to bring it to the stage because it was a highlight of that tour!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 23, 2022, 08:02:22 AM
As we get ready for the top 20, here is how the rankings looked outside of the top 100 for all songs that got votes, but didn't make the list.

101 Light Fuse and Get Away
102 Chosen
103 Lord Nafaryus
104 Along for the Ride
105 Out of Reach
106 Eve
107 Another Won
108 Speak to Me
109 A Rite of Passage
110 Take Away My Pain
111 Paralyzed
112 Far From Heaven
113 Build Me Up, Break Me Down
114 Heaven’s Cove
115 Prophets of War
116 Hymn of a Thousand Voices
117 Untethered Angel
118 Don’t Look Past Me
119 Wither
120 The Way It Used to Be
121 Dystopian Overture
122 The Answer Lies Within
123 When Your Time Has Come
124 A Better Life
125 The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun
126 Viper King
127 Enigma Machine
128 Anna Lee   
129 Just Let Me Breathe
130 Status Seeker
131 Burning My Soul
132 The Walking Shadow
133 Room 137
134 You Not Me
135 A Tempting Offer
136 Repentance
137 My Last Farewell
138 Begin Again
139 Losing Faythe
140 Bombay Vindaloo
141 Cover My Eyes
142 The Road to Revolution
143 False Awakening Suite
144 2285 Entr’acte
145 Act of Faythe
146 Through My Words
147 Where Are You Now
148 A Vision
149 The Holiday Spirit Carries On
150 Raw Dog
151 The Answer
152 Regression
153 Your Majesty
154 Whispers on the Wind
155 Brother, Can You Hear Me?
156 Barfbag
157 0.25
158 Two Far
159 Astonishing
160 March of the Tyrant
161 Another Hand
162 Gladiator Theme
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 23, 2022, 08:03:54 AM
My condolences to all 28 songs that are feeling the shame of finishing below You Not Me. :P
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 23, 2022, 08:08:53 AM
Three from my top 20 and two from my top 10 not making the top 100 (at this point it seemed likely anyway). Have Speak to Me at 11, The Way It Used To Be at 10, and Take Away My Pain at 5. Disappointing finish for TAMP especially, one of DT’s best produced studio tracks, and some of JP’s finest lyrics and guitar solo.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 23, 2022, 08:26:18 AM
My condolences to all 28 songs that are feeling the shame of finishing below You Not Me. :P

Indeed, that must be awful to a song. You Not Me is amongst the worst, I would say. Bombay Vindaloo at 140 is stunning to me as well.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 23, 2022, 08:41:42 AM
Three from my top 20 and two from my top 10 not making the top 100 (at this point it seemed likely anyway). Have Speak to Me at 11, The Way It Used To Be at 10, and Take Away My Pain at 5. Disappointing finish for TAMP especially, one of DT’s best produced studio tracks, and some of JP’s finest lyrics and guitar solo.

I had The Answer Lies Within at 19, for a spread of 103 places. I wonder if your The Way It Used To Be rank (looks like 110 places) is the largest difference?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 23, 2022, 09:09:23 AM
30. Beyond This Life (#58) should have had this in my Top 40.  An absolute treat on the last tour.  A real head bangers delight amongst all the mellow parts. Nice Zappa influence after the nine minute mark. Would have been the best song on a few albums, often overlooked due to the rest of SFAM.

29. Under a Glass Moon (NR) such a memorable intro. I just have problems with the chorus.

28. The Spirit Carries On (#1) my 10th time I gave the prior songs their highest rankings?  A small sample size, but I am surprised that no one else had it in their Top Five. 

I could write at least two pages, still wouldn't find all the correct words, so I’ll try to be brief without being too maudlin in regards to the ‘Score’ version (I'm envious of all who were there that night).

The instrumental, and then the crowd reaction as they realize what it has transitioned into.    The lyrics:  when singing along, I make a change to “Victory is real, I finally feel, at peace with the girl of my dreams”… and all that precedes and follows is like a message or love letter, my goodbye and reassurance to my wife.  A hope that despite all my faults and failings (too numerous to mention), I was a good husband and person.  And another thousand thoughts and feelings I won’t mention here.

To finally see it performed in ’12, and then my last two shows, were more than emotionally moving. 

When the time comes, this version will be played at my memorial service (and yes, Bohemian Rhapsody will also be played)

27.  Pull Me Under (#16) all that is good and great about this has already been written.

26.  Take the Time (NR) listened to this for the first time in almost twenty years this week. Many of the guitar and keyboard tones are too harsh for me (see ‘Endless Sacrifice’)

25.  In the Presence of Enemies (#69) I would easily rank Part 1 in my Top 40.   Live in '08 it followed 'Psycho' and 'Ant Odyssey' (which would have made for a much better beginning on CiM)I played Part 2 a bunch when SC was first released, and then it totally dropped out of my rotation.  Last night’s listen confirmed again that JM and MP and James shine, but I’m just not a fan of these type of lyrics.

24. Strange Déjà Vu (#5), well, since I ranked Overture 1928 at #4, it only made sense for me to rank this next, as the two go hand in hand, as both would open my ultimate set list.

23. Illumination Theory (#75) epic beginning and memorable moments throughout. My preference is for songs of this length to be much shorter. A friend has this as his all time DT favorite.  I totally get that.

22. Blind Faith (#55) and I thought I was being kind for placing it this high because I don’t read many if any comments about it. I’ve tended to overlook it compared to what ‘Misunderstood’ means to me.  Guess I need to revisit this a bit more often from here on in.

21. Space Dye Vest (NR) either because I think ‘Scarred’ is a good ending for ‘Awake’, or because the samples distract me and take me out of the mood the song had put me in. It is beautifully haunting and somber otherwise.

Really enjoying reading others opinions, and wish I could write them as well as some.  This poll is certainly proving that DT fans might be the most ‘diverse’ fan base, due to musical tastes, age, when they came on board, etc……
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 23, 2022, 09:42:47 AM
Three from my top 20 and two from my top 10 not making the top 100 (at this point it seemed likely anyway). Have Speak to Me at 11, The Way It Used To Be at 10, and Take Away My Pain at 5. Disappointing finish for TAMP especially, one of DT’s best produced studio tracks, and some of JP’s finest lyrics and guitar solo.

I had The Answer Lies Within at 19, for a spread of 103 places. I wonder if your The Way It Used To Be rank (looks like 110 places) is the largest difference?

And I had 'Answer' at 20.  I had two of HOF's ranked, and I would also put 'Closing Out The Closet' at #9 for 'studio' albums if I was allowed to.

I will probably be the one called out with the biggest discrepency at 127 places, due to sending the wrong spead sheet (life was a semi hell then).  I did tell Kev a week or so later, but it wouldn't have changed the overall ratings.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 23, 2022, 09:48:37 AM
I honestly have no idea what the Gladiator Theme was released on.

The 3 that initially jumped out most to me are all lumped together. I have those three somewhere in the middle of my list. Nothing else immediately stands out as being egregious or way out of place compared to how I ranked them.

111 Paralyzed
112 Far From Heaven
113 Build Me Up, Break Me Down
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 23, 2022, 09:55:18 AM
That's like half my list. :lol

I have Chosen in my top 5 because it's an amazing song both in context of the album and also for what it's meaning Is about. "No, I can't climb this mountain without you, no I can't face this on my own." Guess I should be glad it almost made it on the list.

Also glad to see Eve, Another Won, and Speak to Me that high in the not-top-100 rankings.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: jammindude on January 23, 2022, 09:56:00 AM
I’ll post my catch up review later tonight.

But looking at the ones that did not make the top 100, the biggest divergence from my list is TOWHTSTS which I had at #28, a difference of 97. Eve was pretty far off too. I had that at #20 for a difference of 86.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 23, 2022, 10:36:59 AM
I have Chosen in my top 5 because it's an amazing song both in context of the album and also for what it's meaning Is about. "No, I can't climb this mountain without you, no I can't face this on my own." Guess I should be glad it almost made it on the list.

I had Chosen in my upper-50 as well. Truly like the piece, although - as which is the same with SfaM - I find it so hard to rank the songs individually. I always hear those in the album concept. When a concept album is made, I'm used to always listen to the whole darn-piece. I am not likely to visit them separated from one another. Like with al the songs in the Amphitheater, the climax of the Astonishing. Beautiful, but so weaved in each other, it's hardly 'rankable' as 'stand-alones'.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Elite on January 23, 2022, 11:57:23 AM
Pretty good top 20 :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 23, 2022, 12:23:20 PM
I had Repentance, A Rite of Passage, and When Your Time Has Come ranked pretty high on my list. A bit disappointed these didn't make the list, but that's just how it is.

Also, what is "0.25"? I've never heard of that.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 23, 2022, 12:56:47 PM
24  Strange Deja-Vu #56

I prefer this song with Overture 1928 before it. Akin to The Gift of Music in The Astonishing, I like how this song describes the setting of the story. How these memories and dreams Nicholas is having feels so very familiar to him, as if he's been there before. I enjoy the melodies the most, especially the keyboards and the vocals. The run from Regression to Fatal Tragedy I can listen to in one sitting as they just flow fantastically together. I love SFAM because it's about a man who is trying to find answers for these feelings and memories that are haunting his life, they consistently bother him enough for him to seek out a therapist and go under hypnosis, which he finds closure once he visits her grave and then finds solace after her story has been told and he finds out the truth. Which then makes that ending more "spooky"....

23 Illumination Theory  #34

I could say a lot of things about this song. The meaning is really fascinating, What are you willing to live and die for? In the Embracing Circle section, this describes that moment of self-reflection, the moment of considering that question. In The Pursuit of Truth, the lyrics mention the things that various people will live, kill and die for. Such as a mother for her children, the junkie for their high, and rebels for their freedom. The ending section of Surrender, Trust, and Passion is where you understand what you were seeking with the question, when you understand the paradox of the many reasons people will live, kill, and die for. The most fascinating thing with this meaning is how it relates to the situation humanity was thrust onto recently, these very reasons people live, kill, and die for was shown to us. Humanities back was against the wall and times were/are uncertain. "Hope can be a shadow fleeting, I would rather die believing, capture it all in a final act of faith."

22  Blind Faith #14

I noticed and am enjoying how some of these ranking pairings can sort of go together in meaning. This song is about a man who is questioning the blind faith of this higher power. How humanity itself is struggling and suffering while they have it all, the bigger house and an iron fence to keep others out. My favorite part of the song are when these lyrics appear, their meaning says a lot, "and still life pushes on with or without you, we've got to carry on, our will will guide us to a place where we belong, nowhere lies the truth, I am the believer who gives purpose onto you." I like how the lyrics end with the person basically calling out the messiah to arrive, like he's ready for him to appear and throw us a pure lifeline, as if he's too proud to come and save the people, which the person says there's more than what we understand now that humanity needs to see. In the end, the person chooses to continue to have blind faith in this higher power, but rather comes to call out the messiah to sort of declare, "I am ready, bring it on!"

21  Space Dye-Vest #31

What I find fascinating regarding this song is how it is Kevin Moore's sole contribution to the band, entirely written by him. This song showcases where Kevins musical mindset was wanting to go, which is more atmospheric and emotion based. I am one who does not mind the samples, I enjoy them because they add a lot to the mood of the song. I just wonder why he decided to use the Conan sample. The band enhanced the song immensely and it's shown on Breaking The Fourth Wall. I really wanted to go to this show because they were playing this song. But we got a great recording of the song so I don't mind, especially JLB. This is a beautiful melody and I am so glad the band decided to play it live regardless of it being considered KM's song. It's a good song and it deserved to have been played live.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 23, 2022, 01:20:12 PM
I remember when this was all we had for a Space Dye Vest performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j65jqO2fRs
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on January 23, 2022, 08:53:37 PM
As we get ready for the top 20, here is how the rankings looked outside of the top 100 for all songs that got votes, but didn't make the list.
   
129 Just Let Me Breathe

This is the most offensive result of the rankings. I’m confident had the amount of submissions been much higher that it would’ve made the top 100, but I’m still shocked! This is such a fun song!!I had it at 29 and hope they put it back in the set someday.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: NoFred on January 23, 2022, 08:54:04 PM
24. Strange Déjà Vu: #4 for me and pretty happy I posted the highest rank for it, as it’s a long time favorite. This song is DT with words, lots of words. Was their most narrative song before The Astonishing… starts full, then killer lead-in at the midpoint deftly avoids a virtuoso section but instead keeps the lyrical charge going. Extended last chorus completes the narrative table setting, and is not only one of my peak DT moments but was also my favorite delivery of the D/T tour by far - JLB still delivering (Extended chorus technique nicely reused for The Alien too!)

23. Illumination Theory: #15 which is higher than I thought it would be but I refused to adjust what the ranking engine gave me. Easily my favorite theme for one of their epics, and the ambient part is pretty sweet. Orchestra part needed to be better integrated though (see AVFTTOTW). I appreciate that, for the most part, their epics have very little thematic or musical overlap. IT has its place. (Should have been the name of the album too.)

22. Blind Faith: Got it at #40 but I have to be clear, the middle verse and solo section are all time prog metal nirvana. They were just in full control at the time of 6D. Shortcoming is that for a band that I think excels at closing out songs it always seemed like this one just… goes. Compose an ending and tighten this up! I bet it’d rate much, much higher for everyone.

21 Space-Dye Vest: #85 here, may have been my #1 when was released and I was a teen, but the samples/lyrics feel stuck in a certain kind of immaturity. Awesome mood (Awake was soooo cool after I&W) but doesn’t resonate anymore.

Also, what is "0.25"? I've never heard of that.

Haha :lol :facepalm: that would be “6:00 from excel spreadsheets” I caught too late that I sent it, maybe a few others did too so it’s not dead last? Of course 6:00 being the 25% point of the day so was translated as .25.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 23, 2022, 08:59:14 PM
I wondered about 0.25 too. When I put 6:00 in my sheet I saw it made it a time, so I changed it to a text field. I never would have thought it could or would change it to .25 based on it representing a quarter of the day being over. Why would a spreadsheet think anyone would want to consider denoting time in that manner? 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 23, 2022, 09:02:12 PM
I figured that was some weird demo from the Majesty days or something, so I left it as is, and since I was going through and trying to update the many top 100s into Excel for the final list, I didn't double check the master list of songs here. Oh well. :lol

Top 20 starts tomorrow!!  :metal :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 23, 2022, 09:11:07 PM
Wait... all those songs got a vote? Barfbag got a vote?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: 425 on January 23, 2022, 09:23:37 PM
Cool, Kev, thanks for sharing the rest of the rankings! I'm going to comment on all the ones that made my list.


First, I suppose it's just an artifact of what happens when zero or almost zero people include a song on the list, but it's weird to see The Answer, Regression, Whispers on the Wind, Brother Can You Hear Me and Astonishing down below, like, Raw Dog. Those are perfectly good songs, IMO, just not quite top 100 material. Astonishing came close for me, though (#104).


142. The Road to Revolution
My ranking: #76

I know there's somewhat of a sentiment here that the first disc should have just ended with A New Beginning, and that may be behind the low ranking of this one. I couldn't disagree more. I really like "recap" songs like this, and I think this one is not only really well done, but actually full of awesome musical and character moments. The whole intro, especially the guitar part right before the vocals come in is awesome. And I actually think every vocal part is awesome, both from performance-wise and lyrically. "If love's a risk, it's worth a chance" is great, and honestly, "Arhys, time is running out / What will your decision be? / If you still have any doubt / Think about Evangeline" and "Change my mind / A waste of time / For soon he will be mine" are two of the top ten or so parts on the album that I find myself singing most often.

This is a really good song on its own, a great song in context, and doesn't deserve to be down in the 140s.


139. Losing Faythe
My ranking: #97

I suspect the low placement of this one has a lot to do with "ballad fatigue" on The Astonishing, because I think it's a good song and a really important character moment for Nafaryus.

Honestly, this one snuck into my top 100 in large part on the strength of reprising significant parts of Chosen, which is one of my favorite songs on the album. But I also think the last section is really powerful, and quite emotional in the context of the album.


138. Begin Again
My ranking: #74

So I guess I'm just more of an Astonishing-ballad fan than the average poster. Another really good song here—I think #74 might have been a little overzealous, but I still think it's top 100. A lot of great stuff from Jordan in the intro, and a strong James performance. Best moments are "In an instant... life could change" and "I dream of peace above all else."


135. A Tempting Offer
My ranking: #56

This is one of my favorite songs on The Astonishing. I really like the confrontation between the two characters here. James really chews some scenery as Daryus, and I am here for it. "When Daddy does arrive... He's in for a surprise" into that little instrumental section, and then the back-and-forth, with "You do know who I am" as Daryus's best line and "This fight's not his to lose" as Arhys's. And then the final section where Daryus describes his motivation is definitely among those top ten memorable moments on the album for me. Love this one.


132. The Walking Shadow
My ranking: #86

Another good song coming at an important moment in The Astonishing. This one is pretty heavy and intense, and offers the opportunity for James to chew more scenery as Daryus. This song definitely milks the drama of the mistaken identity situation, which I actually think is earned storywise because it results from and heightens the contrast between the siblings' reasons for coming to Heaven's Cove. And the music fits it well.

Listening to it again now, I think I should have had My Last Farewell in the top 100, too. For some reason, when I made the list, I was thinking of it as a really short transition, but it's actually a full companion piece to The Walking Shadow. "Have I wandered into someone's nightmare," "How many more have to die before you will open your eyes" and "All your life... don't let go" are great moments. And the music absolutely carries this crucial story moment, with a lot of dynamics between the soft intro and some of the heaviest moments on the album. Not including it is a definite miss by me. Should probably be in the 70s or so.


127. Enigma Machine
My ranking: #96

I get the sense that this song is not especially popular, almost hated in some quarters, and I've never really gotten that? I'd have it somewhere around the middle of the pack on DT12. I think it has a fun main motif, and a lot of entertaining moments. Is it as strong an instrumental as the likes of Erotomania and Overture 1928? No. But it's an enjoyable song.


125. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun
My ranking: #100

Couldn't resist sneaking this one in my final spot. I think this song has so much potential, and doesn't quite come together to become all it could have been. For one thing, I absolutely concede that it takes too long to get started. But once it gets going, there are some really awesome parts. The "There must have been a time when I thought that you were watching" verse builds a ton of tension." And the "chorus" ("In higher lives we seem to be...") is really good. I feel like it could have been more—I hear a full choir on that part, or at least a power metal multi-layered part—but it's good even as is.


123. When Your Time Has Come
My ranking: #82

Most of this one is a bit straightforward, and might be a little high at #82, but it's good straightforward, and it's elevated by the story context, and it's a good JLB performance. The song is further elevated by the Faythe part at the end—"On the worst of days when I felt most alone" is really good.


114. Heaven's Cove
My ranking: #75

A piece from The Astonishing that I've long felt was under-discussed. I think this is just a beautiful scene-setting song. Really like the choir/guitar riffs combo here.


112. Far From Heaven
My ranking: #25

Out of all my disagreements with the list, this is the one that breaks my heart. I think this is an absolutely beautiful piano piece with an incredible JLB performance. It helps that I really emotionally connected with the lyrics when I was younger. But I think I would still find it a beautiful song. The best part is the change leading into "You can't imagine the hell I'm going through."


111. Paralyzed
My ranking: #98

What is this, a Distance over Time song that I put higher than the consensus? I did not expect this at all. This is in the top half of the album for me. I like this slower, heavier piece that really leans all the way into the direction they were going on this album instead of just going halfway.


110. Take Away My Pain
My ranking: #63

I've never understood the hate for this song. I think it's a really beautiful piece. Just gorgeous, emotional vocal melodies. I like the album version, but I would agree it's not the best version of this song because of the vaguely Caribbean vibe which is a bit out of place.


106. Eve
My ranking: #68

I understand why this didn't make the list: It's not the easiest song to get your hands on, and it's way different from DT's usual sound. But I think it's a beautiful piece of music. I prefer the version without the samples, from the Silent Man single. Lovely slow playing from Petrucci, and the kind of piano that only Kevin Moore did.


104. Along for the Ride
My ranking: #91

This is one where I'm not going to argue much with the final ranking—13 spaces isn't much of a difference in the context of this list, particularly when we're in the 90-110 range, which is sort of the top of my "good but doesn't stand out" range. This is near the very top of that range because I think the second verse is really good and the bridge is excellent. The keyboard solo is kind of Beneath the Surface solo part 2, but it's still good the second time.


102. Chosen
My ranking: #51

After Far From Heaven, this is the ranking I disagree with second-most. IMO, this is a top three Astonishing song. It's easily the best-executed ballad on the album, with every element of the song working to create a really uplifting effect. Wholeheartedly agree with Ben_Jamin that "I can't climb this mountain without you" is an incredibly powerful chorus. The whole part from the first iteration of that chorus through the solo, the "Reason now I see" chorus, and the bridge is incredible. Just one of the absolute highlights of the album.



As we get ready for the top 20, here is how the rankings looked outside of the top 100 for all songs that got votes, but didn't make the list.
   
129 Just Let Me Breathe

This is the most offensive result of the rankings. I’m confident had the amount of submissions been much higher that it would’ve made the top 100, but I’m still shocked! This is such a fun song!!I had it at 29 and hope they put it back in the set someday.

I think this is a really fun song, but I couldn't quite justify it. On a good day it'd be in there for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 23, 2022, 09:35:04 PM

110. Take Away My Pain
My ranking: #63

I've never understood the hate for this song. I think it's a really beautiful piece. Just gorgeous, emotional vocal melodies. I like the album version, but I would agree it's not the best version of this song because of the vaguely Caribbean vibe which is a bit out of place.


It makes more sense when you think of it being in the vein of Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes or Genesis' Follow You Follow Me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 23, 2022, 10:13:20 PM
425, thanks for your recap of yours that didn't make the list.  Your in depth writing puts mine to shame.  I was getting ready to post mine at the same time, just to get them in before the Top Twenty gets listed, as we are briskly moving along. I'll also mention that my wife may not be able to name more than a handful of these, but she's never objected to any during our car rides.  That's who my most important critic is :D

102 Chosen #71 (on a better album, this would rate higher)
103 Lord Nafaryus #77 (the ‘Pontius Pilate’ track with the fun beginning and snarling ending)
104 Along for the Ride #73 (other than the Styx ‘Sing for the Day’ synth, this might have been higher)
105 Out of Reach #62 (one of their best ballads)
106 Eve  #84 (I enjoy ‘Cleaning Out The Closet’ more than six of their official studio LPs)
110 Take Away My Pain #59
111 Paralyzed #49
113 Build Me Up, Break Me Down #56 (I dislike many moments of trickery with James' voice, but not here for some reason)
115 Prophets of War #64
117 Untethered Angel #60
118 Don’t Look Past Me #81
120 The Way It Used to Be #97
121 Dystopian Overture #52 (that last minute is such a grandiose lead in for ‘The Gift of Music)
122 The Answer Lies Within #20 (the following 8vm songs I had at #21 and #22)
123 When Your Time Has Come #95
124 A Better Life #88 (the corny beginning hurts it, but the ending is pure Broadway)
126 Viper King #33 (placed it after ‘Out of Reach’ on D/T as a flow change, plus it’s yet another Dream Theater oddity…..it’s actually FUN!)
129 Just Let Me Breathe #89
131 Burning My Soul #15 (because I so enjoyed the demo with Hell’s Kitchen)
133 Room 137 #39  ( another ‘fun’ under 5 minute song that I love blasting in my car in the summer, with that Beatles and Paul Revere & The Raiders 60’s vibe)
140 Bombay Vindaloo #61 (my favorite on ‘Marquee’)
141 Cover My Eyes #92
146 Through My Words #28 (as a lead in to my #29 ‘Fatal Tragedy’)
147 Where Are You Now #87
152 Regression #43 (way too high, but it sets the table for what's to come)
159 Astonishing #93 (for the last three minutes)



Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 23, 2022, 10:15:48 PM
Biggest discrepancies for me appear to be:

#111 Paralyzed #111. I have at 42. Good song, maybe too high at 42 but still in the upper half of their catalog.
#112 Far From Heaven #51 Great song to lead in to the BAI/BNS as one of their top album finishes.
#113: Build Me Up, Break Me Down #37 Wow that was low. This is one of those songs where I am glad they don't have a lot of songs like this, but it is great when one can shine like this one does.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: 425 on January 24, 2022, 12:01:01 AM

110. Take Away My Pain
My ranking: #63

I've never understood the hate for this song. I think it's a really beautiful piece. Just gorgeous, emotional vocal melodies. I like the album version, but I would agree it's not the best version of this song because of the vaguely Caribbean vibe which is a bit out of place.


It makes more sense when you think of it being in the vein of Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes or Genesis' Follow You Follow Me.


I wasn't familiar with the references! That's interesting, but I don't think it changes the fact that, while I don't mind the Caribbean thing, I think the song is better played straight (as on Once in a Livetime).


425, thanks for your recap of yours that didn't make the list.  Your in depth writing puts mine to shame.

Thank you! I write detailed posts because I really enjoy doing so, but it's always nice when someone gets something out of it.

Glad to have a couple of people confirm that I'm not totally crazy when it comes to Paralyzed. And good call by both of you on Build Me Up, Break Me Down. That was one of the closest songs to making my list that didn't quite get there. Though I don't think of it often, I enjoy it every time I listen to it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 24, 2022, 12:56:38 AM
125. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun
My ranking: #100

Couldn't resist sneaking this one in my final spot. I think this song has so much potential, and doesn't quite come together to become all it could have been. For one thing, I absolutely concede that it takes too long to get started. But once it gets going, there are some really awesome parts. The "There must have been a time when I thought that you were watching" verse builds a ton of tension." And the "chorus" ("In higher lives we seem to be...") is really good. I feel like it could have been more—I hear a full choir on that part, or at least a power metal multi-layered part—but it's good even as is.

I've just got one question about these 'the One Who Help to Set the Sun' lyrics:

Watching my window, I was led like a child.
As the roadway lamplight misguided my mind through the night,
a shadow of limits.
We were racing the rain, my hands held the wheel.
My eyes tried to hold their place.
There must be a time when I thought that you were watching.
It had to be when my senses lost control, I’d thought I slipped away,
I thought I could still feel us moving.
It must have been a cloud, no bigger than a man’s hand.

Every reason I risk my life to come back to you,
is locked behind your door, you’re my immunity.
Outside I watched you burn, heavy hearts were bleeding.
A cry for help, a familiar voice,
my melting hands streaked the glass.
As I walked away, I wondered what had really happened.
Had I run out of time, did I push myself too far?
As my last step fell, I felt my hands upon the wheel.
Had I come back to life or did I ever leave at all?

In higher lives, we seem to be always a moment too late.
We’re past the time, when we looked on,
now we’re the onces who help to set the sun.
This time for real I locked the door behind me,
my mind was still a wreck, from what I saw.
For when my hands are still, I’ll recognize the message,
never again will my senses lose control.

In higher lives, we seem to be always a moment too late.
We’re past the time, when we looked on,
now we’re the onces who help to set the sun.


I mean, honestly, what are they all about? I can't seem to make any story of it that makes sense at some point. It might be my English is crackin' or my imagination lets me down big time, but these are amongst the most vage, weird and strange lyrics Petrucci ever wrote. I ranked it in the 80's-tier myself and am somehow connected with the song, but surely not by the storyline.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 24, 2022, 01:25:10 AM
142. The Road to Revolution
My ranking: #76

I know there's somewhat of a sentiment here that the first disc should have just ended with A New Beginning, and that may be behind the low ranking of this one. I couldn't disagree more. I really like "recap" songs like this, and I think this one is not only really well done, but actually full of awesome musical and character moments. The whole intro, especially the guitar part right before the vocals come in is awesome. And I actually think every vocal part is awesome, both from performance-wise and lyrically. "If love's a risk, it's worth a chance" is great, and honestly, "Arhys, time is running out / What will your decision be? / If you still have any doubt / Think about Evangeline" and "Change my mind / A waste of time / For soon he will be mine" are two of the top ten or so parts on the album that I find myself singing most often.

This is a really good song on its own, a great song in context, and doesn't deserve to be down in the 140s.

I agree with you. It's a great representation of each characters "Path of Division" that they face, this is where they are each faced with this question and we the audience are left going into intermission with the wonderment of what each of their decisions will be. I like how we are also left with Nefaryus stating he changed his mind. I can picture him in his throne room, overlooking the empire when declaring his change of heart with a smirk on his face. Also, how each character exclaims at the end, "Open Eyes, help me see which choice is right."

 
139. Losing Faythe
My ranking: #97

I suspect the low placement of this one has a lot to do with "ballad fatigue" on The Astonishing, because I think it's a good song and a really important character moment for Nafaryus.

Honestly, this one snuck into my top 100 in large part on the strength of reprising significant parts of Chosen, which is one of my favorite songs on the album. But I also think the last section is really powerful, and quite emotional in the context of the album.

I love the ballads in The Astonishing, and there are not that many when you consider how each theme is utilized within the story. I consider this the second best song on the album, and I ranked it at #17. Everything about this song is beautiful. Nefaryus realizing why Faythe and Gabriel saw the light within him to change, but it took his daughter dying to break past his arrogance, is a big character shift and realization for the story. I would consider it the precursor to the climax of Hymn of A Thousand Voices. Arabelle's theme here is great too, and shows her motherly nature towards Faythe. I imagine both of them holding Faythe in their arms as she is gasping for air. In the end, Nefaryus ends up pleading to Gabriel, to the savior, to use his gift to save what he holds dear. This song also utilizes the Begin Again theme which is a great song as well.

138. Begin Again
My ranking: #74

So I guess I'm just more of an Astonishing-ballad fan than the average poster. Another really good song here—I think #74 might have been a little overzealous, but I still think it's top 100. A lot of great stuff from Jordan in the intro, and a strong James performance. Best moments are "In an instant... life could change" and "I dream of peace above all else."

I love this song as well too. It's #28 for me. For me, this song describes the true purpose of Faythe and what she is born to do. "I dream of peace above all else, to share a world where we could be ourselves." This quote is significant for it's theme being used in Losing Faythe. I love the last line though as it relates to real world situations as well, "We must learn to rise above the past, before we can at last, begin again." it's a great quote too for people going through personal life struggles. The part I really enjoy though is the outro, it's one of the most interesting rhythms and melodies they have done, as it's uplifting and really joyous, especially with those bells.

I like that you have a lot of The Astonishing songs in you rankings as well.  :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 24, 2022, 01:54:56 AM
I like that you have a lot of The Astonishing songs in you rankings as well.  :tup

I've had these pearls ranked:

#91 Dystopian Overture
#88 Brother, Can You Here Me?
#87 Act of Faythe
#83 The Road to Evolution
#82 The Path That Devides
#74 Ravenskill (so beautiful, the way LaBrie delivered this particular piece)
#73 Hymn of a Thousand Voices (Himney entering the Amphitheater with the Ravenskill people singing is hair-on-the-arm-raising)
#72 Whispers On the Wind
#67 When Your Time Has Come
#66 The Gift of Music
#47 Chosen
#43 Our New World
#16 A Savior In the Square

The Astonishing seemed to be consuming 13% of my entire list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: erciccio on January 24, 2022, 05:01:23 AM
I also have many songs from The astonishing ranked

95   When Your Time Has Come
93   2285 Entr'acte
89   Act of Faythe
88   Heaven's Cove
86   The X Aspect
83   Losing Faythe
82   Astonishing
81   Three Days
80   Lord Nafaryus
61   A Better Life
60   A Life Left Behind
56   Begin Again
55   The Gift of Music
51   Our New World
48   Chosen
45   Moment of Betrayal
38   Ravenskill
36   The Path That Divides
30   A New Beginning


I was quite shocked by the low ranking of a few songs, Chosen and A Better Life in primis.

My idea is that this is such a polarizing album that the people that (legitimately) hate it did not even bother to try to rank a few songs as "stand-alone"..

Dear 425, I was also quite disappointed by the low ranking of "Far from heaven"..(#42 for me).
I think it's quite as good as Wait for sleep, and it's a perfect prelude to the amazing Breaking all illusions..

Looking forward to the top 20!
I had correctly guessed the songs that are in...but I have no clue on how the final battle it's going to end!!


Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 24, 2022, 05:22:59 AM
Let the games begin!! :metal :metal

20 At Wit’s End
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 2 (Ben_Jamin, marztacy)


Fantastic song. It felt like many of us knew that was an instant classic when we first got Distance over Time.  I had it at 25.


19 The Mirror
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (Setlist Scotty)


This is from Awake, therefore is great by definition. ;)  I had this at 18.  A rare DT song that slays despite not having any solos (talking the studio version here).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 24, 2022, 05:58:49 AM
22 Blind Faith #79
21 Space-Dye Vest #29
20 At Wit's End #40
19 The Mirror #10

I wonder how it comes that The Mirror is so much higher ranked than Lie. I ranked them at 9-10 and these are always a one-two punch, for me. Awake is one of my all time favorite albums and next to this wonderful combination - and A Mind by Itself - Space-Dye Vest totally justifies that. I saw mentioned in the thread that this song is literally the ending of Kevin Moore's era and it couldn't end better then by this dark, vunerable piece full of reflection and pain. I do not bother the sample that much and as said before, this song is unique in their entire discography. There's nothing like this brought out after.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 24, 2022, 06:59:55 AM
Huh, The Mirror made it to 19? Seemed like a lot of people expressed dislike for it during the recent survivor. I ranked it at 42. It’s not my favorite thing on Awake, but it’s got a cool atmosphere and I like how it’s reprised at the end of Lie (which to me is the more interesting of the two songs).

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on January 24, 2022, 07:48:10 AM
At Wit’s End just made it at 99 for me. It’s a good song, but I don’t find myself listening to it much. Love the intro but the rest of the song kinda drags for me.

I had The Mirror at 42. Excellent song for a live show.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 24, 2022, 08:35:14 AM
Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: toro on January 24, 2022, 08:50:29 AM
Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.
Mine was eve didn't even rank.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 24, 2022, 08:54:10 AM
Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.
Mine was eve didn't even rank.
I think a lot of Eve myself (Top 10 for me), but that one didn't shock me.  I know there are only a handful of us who even know Eve, much less love it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 24, 2022, 08:59:08 AM
Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.

I'm guessing some fans just aren't very familiar with it. It's a shame they never recorded a proper studio version. Least they could do now is give the live version from 5YiALT a proper release.

Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.
Mine was eve didn't even rank.
I think a lot of Eve myself (Top 10 for me), but that one didn't shock me.  I know there are only a handful of us who even know Eve, much less love it.

Yeah, Eve is kind of unfortunately obscured as well. I was looking at a copy of the Silent Man single on discogs, and I just didn't want to plop down $25 just to get a proper copy of one new song. DT really ought to give Cleaning Out the Closet a broader release.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: toro on January 24, 2022, 09:03:18 AM
Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.
Mine was eve didn't even rank.
I think a lot of Eve myself (Top 10 for me), but that one didn't shock me.  I know there are only a handful of us who even know Eve, much less love it.
It was top 10 in mine too. I was kinda surprised it didn't even rank because i saw a lot precise for the song lately, and its usually regarded as one of their best songs. But it being an instrumental, and kinda ballad-y might have affect the ranking.

I ranked a lot of obscure songs and some pretty high. Like Eve and Don't Look Past Me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 24, 2022, 09:41:35 AM
Definitely bummed that some of my choices didn’t make the top 100, but not surprising as I know my taste differs from a lot of people.

In particular, I had LFaGA  as #3, Bombay Vindaloo at #16 (how that one didn’t make the cut I cannot understand, other than that it was not on an album), TOWHtStS at #17 and even Heaven’s Cove, which is one of my favorites on TA, which I had at #77.

I recall someone questioning how TSCO didn’t make someone’s top 100 list, and that would be me. I’m sorry, but I am sooooo DONE with that song. Is it a well written track with good melodies? Sure. But I am so tired of it that it’s almost become repulsive to me now.
 
 
I've just got one question about these 'the One Who Help to Set the Sun' lyrics:
<snip>
I mean, honestly, what are they all about? I can't seem to make any story of it that makes sense at some point. It might be my English is crackin' or my imagination lets me down big time, but these are amongst the most vage, weird and strange lyrics Petrucci ever wrote. I ranked it in the 80's-tier myself and am somehow connected with the song, but surely not by the storyline.
According to Charlie Dominici, the basic message behind the lyrics to that song is that before becoming recording artists, other bands/artists were the ones who were "setting the sun". Now that they've become recording artists themselves, now they are the one who help to set the sun.
 
 
Barfbag got a vote?
Yes Chris, Barfbag got at least one vote - from me! Love that song! I had it at #49. What's wrong with it?
 
 
19 The Mirror
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
....and if pg1067 was one of the guys who submitted a top 100 list, then I know exactly who was the person who didn't include it on their list!   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: 425 on January 24, 2022, 09:50:56 AM
Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.

I'm guessing some fans just aren't very familiar with it. It's a shame they never recorded a proper studio version. Least they could do now is give the live version from 5YiALT a proper release.

Yeah, part of the issue with Speak to Me is that the only easily accessible versions for a while now have been the demo and the 1998 official bootleg, of which I only have the demo because of the bad reputation of the 1998 show. Because of that, I've heard the song a few times, but I have to be in a particular frame of mind to want to listen to a demo-quality recording.

I've obviously never heard Cleaning out the Closet before; does anyone know whether the CotC recordings of the FII five are identical to those on the FII Demos?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: ZirconBlue on January 24, 2022, 09:57:39 AM
Three from my top 20 and two from my top 10 not making the top 100 (at this point it seemed likely anyway). Have Speak to Me at 11, The Way It Used To Be at 10, and Take Away My Pain at 5. Disappointing finish for TAMP especially, one of DT’s best produced studio tracks, and some of JP’s finest lyrics and guitar solo.


Looks like we have similar tastes.  I had Speak to Me at 23, The Way it Used to Be at 6, and Take Away My Pain at 14
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 24, 2022, 10:00:13 AM
Three from my top 20 and two from my top 10 not making the top 100 (at this point it seemed likely anyway). Have Speak to Me at 11, The Way It Used To Be at 10, and Take Away My Pain at 5. Disappointing finish for TAMP especially, one of DT’s best produced studio tracks, and some of JP’s finest lyrics and guitar solo.


Looks like we have similar tastes.  I had Speak to Me at 23, The Way it Used to Be at 6, and Take Away My Pain at 14

 :metal

I love when DT stretch out into something a little bit different, and those three are all fairly unique tracks for them.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 24, 2022, 10:00:24 AM
Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.

I'm guessing some fans just aren't very familiar with it. It's a shame they never recorded a proper studio version. Least they could do now is give the live version from 5YiALT a proper release.
Yeah, part of the issue with Speak to Me is that the only easily accessible versions for a while now have been the demo and the 1998 official bootleg, of which I only have the demo because of the bad reputation of the 1998 show. Because of that, I've heard the song a few times, but I have to be in a particular frame of mind to want to listen to a demo-quality recording.

I've obviously never heard Cleaning out the Closet before; does anyone know whether the CotC recordings of the FII five are identical to those on the FII Demos?
AFAIK, the tracks on CotC are the same as the FII demos, altho I remember there being some discussion about the versions on CotC being better sounding or something. So perhaps there was some additional post-production work done to the ones that ended up on CotC, altho I can't be sure.

As for the 1998 Fan Club CD (not official bootleg), if you want to hear it for yourself, you can check it out here:
https://youtu.be/_Ce_ePpcJmM?t=272
It's the full disc (a great companion piece for OiaL), but the link above starts right at StM.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Elite on January 24, 2022, 10:54:27 AM
I had Cover My Eyes, Eve, Another Won, Your Majesty and Bombay Vindaloo all in my top 100.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 24, 2022, 10:58:30 AM
I had Cover My Eyes, Eve, Another Won, Your Majesty and Bombay Vindaloo all in my top 100.

Non-album tracks in my top 100:

10. The Way It Used To Be
11. Speak To Me
19. To Live Forever
27. Raise the Knife
44. Eve
49. Cover My Eyes
52. Where Are You Now
60. Another Won
62. Don't Look Past Me
75. The Holiday Spirit Carries On
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 24, 2022, 11:03:42 AM
How do we listen to barfbag and eve?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 24, 2022, 11:17:13 AM
Some thoughts on the Top 162:

- None of the songs above #100 entered my Top 50.

- Songs that entered my Top 100:
101 Light Fuse and Get Away (#61) - One of my faves from WDADU and it seems one of the most disliked.
102 Chosen (#70)
103 Lord Nafaryus (#64)
105 Out of Reach (#98)
107 Another Won (#77) - The Score version is really great, JLB amazing on it!
119 Wither (#91)
120 The Way It Used to Be (#78) - How this one didn't make the cut of FII together with Raise the Knife and Where Are You Now?!
121 Dystopian Overture (#62)
123 When Your Time Has Come (#66)
124 A Better Life (#63)
126 Viper King (#83) - Love this one for what it is, it feels like well done cover song.
127 Enigma Machine (#57) - I think it's great and it became better with the time.
134 You Not Me (-) - It didn't make my Top 100, but I think it's a cool song. If DT had mantained the middle instrumental section from the demo, with the extended guitar solo and all, it would make the song even better. That outro is excellent!
144 2285 Entr’acte (#71)
147 Where Are You Now (#87)
150 Raw Dog (#96) - Well, I don't get why is so dismissed.
157 0.25 (-) - WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! I've never heard about it and it's not even on youtube...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: toro on January 24, 2022, 11:47:05 AM
I had Cover My Eyes, Eve, Another Won, Your Majesty and Bombay Vindaloo all in my top 100.

Non-album tracks in my top 100:

10. The Way It Used To Be
11. Speak To Me
19. To Live Forever
27. Raise the Knife
44. Eve
49. Cover My Eyes
52. Where Are You Now
60. Another Won
62. Don't Look Past Me
75. The Holiday Spirit Carries On
Mine:
10    Eve
11    To Live Forever
14    Don't look past me
36    Speak To Me
57    Raise The Knife
58    The Way It Used to Be
77    Another Won
83    Where Are You Now
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 24, 2022, 11:58:00 AM
How do we listen to barfbag and eve?
Eve:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiayUWUhZSQ

Barfbag:
https://youtu.be/teu39SDdMKQ?t=4049
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: 425 on January 24, 2022, 12:07:37 PM
Yeah, part of the issue with Speak to Me is that the only easily accessible versions for a while now have been the demo and the 1998 official bootleg, of which I only have the demo because of the bad reputation of the 1998 show. Because of that, I've heard the song a few times, but I have to be in a particular frame of mind to want to listen to a demo-quality recording.

I've obviously never heard Cleaning out the Closet before; does anyone know whether the CotC recordings of the FII five are identical to those on the FII Demos?
AFAIK, the tracks on CotC are the same as the FII demos, altho I remember there being some discussion about the versions on CotC being better sounding or something. So perhaps there was some additional post-production work done to the ones that ended up on CotC, altho I can't be sure.

As for the 1998 Fan Club CD (not official bootleg), if you want to hear it for yourself, you can check it out here:
https://youtu.be/_Ce_ePpcJmM?t=272
It's the full disc (a great companion piece for OiaL), but the link above starts right at StM.

This is good to know, thanks! And that 1998 Fan Club CD is interesting; I'd forgotten that existed. When I mentioned a 1998 show, I was referring to the Ytse Jam Los Angeles show with Bruce Dickinson, where Speak to Me was played. My understanding is that that show has a reputation as a particularly poor JLB performance.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 24, 2022, 12:09:50 PM
Yeah, part of the issue with Speak to Me is that the only easily accessible versions for a while now have been the demo and the 1998 official bootleg, of which I only have the demo because of the bad reputation of the 1998 show. Because of that, I've heard the song a few times, but I have to be in a particular frame of mind to want to listen to a demo-quality recording.

I've obviously never heard Cleaning out the Closet before; does anyone know whether the CotC recordings of the FII five are identical to those on the FII Demos?
AFAIK, the tracks on CotC are the same as the FII demos, altho I remember there being some discussion about the versions on CotC being better sounding or something. So perhaps there was some additional post-production work done to the ones that ended up on CotC, altho I can't be sure.

As for the 1998 Fan Club CD (not official bootleg), if you want to hear it for yourself, you can check it out here:
https://youtu.be/_Ce_ePpcJmM?t=272
It's the full disc (a great companion piece for OiaL), but the link above starts right at StM.

This is good to know, thanks! And that 1998 Fan Club CD is interesting; I'd forgotten that existed. When I mentioned a 1998 show, I was referring to the Ytse Jam Los Angeles show with Bruce Dickinson, where Speak to Me was played. My understanding is that that show has a reputation as a particularly poor JLB performance.
Yeah, he sounded like ass on that show.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 24, 2022, 12:10:57 PM
149 The Holiday Spirit Carries On
Just was thinking about this: should this even be an option for the list? After all, it's just a medley of holiday songs, right? So wouldn't it be along the lines of The Big Medley, Instrumedley and Oh Holy Night, none of which were obviously included?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 24, 2022, 12:26:29 PM
149 The Holiday Spirit Carries On
Just was thinking about this: should this even be an option for the list? After all, it's just a medley of holiday songs, right? So wouldn't it be along the lines of The Big Medley, Instrumedley and Oh Holy Night, none of which were obviously included?
I would never have thought to include any of those other than maybe Instrumedley, but probably not that either.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: HOF on January 24, 2022, 12:31:38 PM
149 The Holiday Spirit Carries On
Just was thinking about this: should this even be an option for the list? After all, it's just a medley of holiday songs, right? So wouldn't it be along the lines of The Big Medley, Instrumedley and Oh Holy Night, none of which were obviously included?
I would never have thought to include any of those other than maybe Instrumedley, but probably not that either.

All I know is that it was on the list of songs someone posted early in the thread that I used to populate the ranking engine. It feels slightly different than a cover or The Big Medley, since the Christmas tunes  have been rearranged and Dream Theater-afide. But it was Kevin’s call ultimately.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 24, 2022, 03:11:28 PM
Anyone knows what is the 0.25 song ranked at #157?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 24, 2022, 03:13:30 PM
Anyone knows what is the 0.25 song ranked at #157?

An Excel issue!

Also, what is "0.25"? I've never heard of that.

Haha :lol :facepalm: that would be “6:00 from excel spreadsheets” I caught too late that I sent it, maybe a few others did too so it’s not dead last? Of course 6:00 being the 25% point of the day so was translated as .25.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 24, 2022, 03:27:40 PM
 :lol that's OK!
I thought it was a mega obscure live jam! :D
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 24, 2022, 03:30:40 PM
20 At Wit's End (#20) - Amazing song, with a gorgeous outro - incredible JP solo. I just wish that the fade-out began later.
19 The Mirror (#38) - I was already amazed by the intro when I've heard it for the first time in Live in Tokyo VHS. And then they made a great song out of it. Also, I think the ending of Lie got even better on The Mirror, like in Scenes from New York version.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Elite on January 24, 2022, 03:36:16 PM
So uhh, some people actually voted for ‘0.25’ despite it not existing? ???
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: TAC on January 24, 2022, 04:02:24 PM
20 At Wit’s End
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 2 (Ben_Jamin, marztacy)





19 The Mirror
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (Setlist Scotty)


At Wit's End is amazing. But apparently, I'm one of the two lists that it was left off it seems. I went to my spreadsheet but for some reason I mistakenly didn't paste it over.  :facepalm:

I had it originally at #27. I love this song. Total screw up on my part.



I had The Mirror at #99, as it got in once I removed the AVFTTOTW songs and Solitary Shell.
It has the cheesiest MP lyric..."my will or my won't". :lol

I've never cared for The Mirror. I think live in the moment it's fine, but definitely not a fave.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 24, 2022, 04:04:48 PM
So uhh, some people actually voted for ‘0.25’ despite it not existing? ???

What happened (from what I understand) is NoFred copied and pasted the list of songs into an Excel spreadsheet, and the spreadsheet converted 6:00 to 0.25, but he missed it and accidentally submitted his top 100 list with 0.25 on it instead of 6:00. Not sure if anyone else did the same thing, but I'm guessing he's the only one.

I wonder how that error affected 6:00's final position? It's good to know only 3 people left it off their list after all!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 24, 2022, 04:24:55 PM
At Wit's End
My ranking: #66. I think At Wit's End is a little bit overhyped. Not that it's not all that great by any means (#66 is a really good spot for my list), but I suppose I don't see what some others see in it that would put it in their Top 10 or 20. I really enjoy the second half, from the "Asked me to listen" verse and onwards. That guitar solo is beautiful and James singing "Don't leave me now, don't leave me now..." sounds really great. The first half of the song is good, but nothing as great as the second half. I do like how unique the first half is, though; there's nothing else in DT's discography that sounds quite like it.

The Mirror
My ranking: #58. This one's gone up quite a bit since my last ranking. Before, I had it at #82, and now I have it at #58. This song is just awesomeness from start to finish. My favorite moment part is 3:44-4:32. That's one of my favorite moments from James LaBrie.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 24, 2022, 04:37:11 PM
How do we listen to barfbag and eve?
Eve:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiayUWUhZSQ

Barfbag:
https://youtu.be/teu39SDdMKQ?t=4049

Thanks!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: The Realm on January 24, 2022, 04:39:55 PM
Very underwhelming #20 and #19. Not that they aren't good songs but far from top 20 material.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 24, 2022, 05:33:54 PM


At Wit's End is amazing. But apparently, I'm one of the two lists that it was left off it seems. I went to my spreadsheet but for some reason I mistakenly didn't paste it over.  :facepalm:

I had it originally at #27. I love this song. Total screw up on my part.


You having At Wit's End at 27 would have bumped it up to 15. Oh my... :biggrin: :biggrin: :lol :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 24, 2022, 05:55:19 PM
Wow, after 29 years being a fan, I never known about or heard Barfbag until now! DT at its grooviest, very cool!! The link Scotty provided has a very good sounding quality, thanks A LOT!!!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 24, 2022, 06:03:36 PM
20  At Wit's End  #2

If I could rank A Mind Beside Itself together, this song would be #3 in my rankings. I have been waiting for the band to make a song like this. It hits you instantly with the guitar and keyboard harmonies along with the syncopated bass and drums. The piano underneath all that after is a fascinating contrast, like there's beauty in the dissonance. It's hectic and fits in great as a representation of the anguish the subject of the song is feeling. I like the delay effect of the guitar before the calm piano interlude comes in. From then on, the build-up to the climax is awesome. After all this tension of anguish, we get a moment of clarity when the ending outro melody appears and the band just rides along with this ending. This is one of JLB's best vocals in a Dream Theater song, both in delivery, melody and effect choice. This is the song I would show people if I were to showcase the sound of Dream Theater. I am glad it made it to the top 20, at least.

19  The Mirror #67

"How the hell do you dance to the mirror?"....I really like the subject matter of the song lyrically. Older Labrie vocals have a nice grittiness to them, and they fit perfectly with the mood. That desperation to change after taking a look in the mirror. The Live Scenes From New York version is one of the best versions of it due to how JLB sings it and the way they play with the tempo a bit by slowing down some sections for emphasis. It has great lyrics and this one is a great quote, "Reflections of reality are slowly coming into view, how in the hell could you possibly forgive me, after all the hell I put you through."
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 24, 2022, 06:14:16 PM
Barfbag got a vote?
Yes Chris, Barfbag got at least one vote - from me! Love that song! I had it at #49. What's wrong with it?

That was more an indictment of me, who has never heard of Barfbag.  :) Appreciate the link, will check it out.

I have At Wit's End in my Top 10 but there is a lot of recency bias there. When all is said and done with DT, it's in the top 25 but not sure much higher.

I have The Mirror at #19.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 24, 2022, 06:48:38 PM
 By the way, anyone  knows if this instrumental that starts at 55:49 has a name? Always love it, kind of reminds me the groovy vibe of Barfbag.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w8oKj0lADJQ&list=RDw8oKj0lADJQ&start_radio=1
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 24, 2022, 06:55:13 PM
The Awake Jam was always played in that spot. I think it went through a few iterations.

Scotty?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 24, 2022, 07:09:23 PM
I never realized The Mirror was so highly thought of. Top 20? WOW!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 24, 2022, 08:22:43 PM
#22 Blind Faith  - 31 I actually think I like this more than I listen to it.

#21 Space-Dye Vest  - 96 This is an interesting, unique song. I really enjoy the live version. I have no attachment to it, so I dont listen to it much.

#20 At Wit's End   - 12. This is an Awesome song! It does everything that I love about Dream Theater. Story, a mix of shreddy and proggy, emotional.

#19 The Mirror   -  27. My favorite on Awake..I like it better with Lie.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 24, 2022, 08:54:53 PM
Wow, after 29 years being a fan, I never known about or heard Barfbag until now!
n00b!   :biggrin:

I'm sure you're aware of Moon Bubbles and Bombay Vindaloo, but there were a few other instrumental pieces that appeared during 1993, most of which did not have a name. For the record, they all did have some structure to them, but there was room for them (especially JP) to improvise, so I wouldn't call them flat out "improv jams" like I've seen some people label them. You can tell by comparing different performances that they are the same pieces, although the first one or two performances of BV in particular are different from what we are familiar with from L@tM. Anyhoo...

There's Slow Motion, which was played at only a handful of shows at the very beginning of 1993. Here is one performance of it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7b0su9mY9o

There's an unnamed instrumental/jam that was groove-themed that followed To Live Forever at the beginning of their third leg through North America, but when MP reshuffled the setlist after two days (he originally had Learning to Live as the opening track!), the unnamed track was dropped. Fortunately the first show of that leg of the tour (in Warwick, RI) was broadcast, so there are plenty of bootlegs of that show in circulation.

During the second half of their first tour of Europe, the band started to rotate through a few different instrumental/jam pieces. The first to appear was Bombay Vindaloo. Then at the Paris show, they did a funk-themed instrumental/jam piece, which they ended play at least one more time. They also did one other instrumental/jam piece that MP described as being "Innocence Faded-themed" because the parts of it were later incorporated into IF. And they also brought Moon Bubbles back at least once, but this time MP played drums, unlike how they played it in 1992.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 24, 2022, 09:02:31 PM
I know. I've said elsewhere my DT knowledge came 100% from the studio albums. I didn't subscribe to magazines, fanzines, or news groups (or whatever that early aspect of the internet was), and none of my friends listened to them. Before 2000, if it wasn't noted on a CD booklet, I didn't know about it. Dark ages, man. Joining this forum - or whatever version of this forum I joined in the early 2000s was quite the history lesson, along with those DVD commentaries.

I did actually know about Bombay Vindaloo because of the Live at the Marquee album. I never owned the Marquee album, for no good reason. Though I know I listened to it at some point many, many years ago. Gave it a listen the other day and was surprised how much I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 24, 2022, 09:07:22 PM
Damn, Scotty, just tell me you don’t know the name!  :D
I didn’t know Slow Motion either, very cool! I guess the old bootlegs series could have released a double CD only with quality recordings of all those estructured live improvisations, so many good material!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 25, 2022, 05:51:26 PM
Today's two!!!!  :metal :metal

18 Fatal Tragedy
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 8 (geeeemo)


It shows how consistently high this one got ranked when it had only two top 10 finishes and its highest spot was 8, yet it still finished this high.  Unbelievably awesome song, that manages to sound musical and melodic as hell, while still having that blistering instrumental section.  I had this at 13.


17 Lines in the Sand
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 9
Highest Ranking: 2 (HOF)


I usually put this in my top 10, but it finished at 11 when I did the rankings engine.  I believe 9 top 10 finishes is the most of any song featured to date.  That intro is still one of the best moments in DT history, and JP's solo is smooth like butter.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 25, 2022, 06:04:48 PM
Fatal Tragedy is #23 for me.

Lines in the Sand didn't rank. That intro is mediocre at best and goes on way too long, and that is saying something for a DT song, and yes, the backing vocals on the chorus. I am one of those people.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 25, 2022, 06:15:45 PM


Lines in the Sand didn't rank. That intro is mediocre at best and goes on way too long, and that is saying something for a DT song, and yes, the backing vocals on the chorus. I am one of those people.

(https://c.tenor.com/g8_v4mDf_nsAAAAC/inconceivable-princessbride.gif)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 25, 2022, 06:19:12 PM
Honestly surprised 2 other people left it off their lists.

The big shocker from my lust is still yet to come. Stay tuned!

Another hot take: I get what they were trying to do with that character, but I didn't find him particularly funny.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 25, 2022, 07:02:41 PM
Honestly surprised 2 other people left it off their lists.

The big shocker from my lust is still yet to come. Stay tuned!

Another hot take: I get what they were trying to do with that character, but I didn't find him particularly funny.

Even after modifying, I'm still not sure of what has shocked you most from your lust. ;)

(Cool Chris...I'll modify this later, but I could not resist....)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 25, 2022, 07:04:33 PM
What has shocked me most about my lust... why not ask your wife (or girlfriend, if applicable...) :p
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 25, 2022, 07:10:40 PM
18 Fatal Tragedy
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 8 (geeeemo)


I have Fatal Tragedy at #14. Great tune. the instrumental section is ridiculous. Really glad they did it with Mangini too.


17 Lines in the Sand
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 9
Highest Ranking: 2 (HOF)


Yes the intro is indeed awesome. This song is so damn groovy. I'm not a fan of the Kings X guy's vocals, but whatever. It doesn't take away from the fact that I ranked this #6 on my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 25, 2022, 07:25:33 PM
I had Fatal Tragedy at 38. It’s another one from SFAM where I like the chorus and instrumental section but sort of tolerate the verse. Still a strong track though.

Lines in the Sands made a respectable enough placing at 17, and I’m glad to see it make so many top 10s. I struggled a bit with ordering my 2-9 tracks, but I’m glad I went high on this one as it might have helped it finish a little higher. I love everything about this track, including the Doug Pinnick vocal spot, which I think was a brilliant idea (but I’m also a big King’s X fan). But this is also a killer performance by the whole band really. Great drum part, awesome groove, one of JP’s top solos, great contribution from DS. And the lyrics are the other thing that helped me bump it up to number two. Probably JP’s strongest lyric in my opinion. But it’s also up at 2 for me because it’s genuinely one of a handful of DT songs I revisit most often.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 25, 2022, 07:28:29 PM
I love the version of Lines In The Sand from Chaos In Motion. Yes, it's from Boston! But besides that....
I know James isn't great on it, but visually, the video has such a great ambiance to it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 25, 2022, 07:30:30 PM
Now I’m Mad at myself for not doing a list. Fatal Tragedy would be top 5 for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 25, 2022, 07:32:15 PM
Still no unanimous entries..
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 25, 2022, 07:43:16 PM
What has shocked me most about my lust... why not ask your wife (or girlfriend, if applicable...) :p

(https://c.tenor.com/cj4V303uWIMAAAAC/jon-stewart-spit.gif)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 25, 2022, 09:20:31 PM
I will mention here, that I would request of KevShmev to start a separate thread for the songs that do not make the Top 100 AFTER the next countdown.  As if he has not already given all for king and country for his prior tabulations.  Once again, we thank you :hefdaddy

I am learning a lot of similar opinions being posted.  I love these discussions :heart

Surprised at seeing such high scores of some, and then seeing those songs not making the list.  I made a couple of mistakes on my submission, listing 'Room 137' at #7 instead of #39....., I have seen certain songs of others very highly ranked which I did rank, and yet they still didn't make the list.  Curious as to the total point list when all is said and done, as well as for some of us to have more time to correct some of our oversights.

I am realizing that I am not so much 'wrong' as just 'different' in my opinions on various songs.  And, I have been somewhat surprised at seeing some responders giving their listings and opinions, thinking that we were on so opposite sides prior, only to find out that we were +/- ten slots on eight of ten, and then, even though we rated so differently on others, had a somewhat similar opinion in regards to a part or two, whether we disagreed or not. 

That last paragraph has changed my opinion of what forum members have posted before, and will change my opinion from here on out, all for the good. 

I may disagreee regarding others' comments, but I will never argue at those who make heartfelt comments. After all, it is Dream Theater, it is music, and that is what we are here to discuss and comment on.  I may not like some songs, and I will chime in strongly at times on my likes and dislikes.

We are all here to learn, enjoy, discuss,  and ....  politely disagree without chastising.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 25, 2022, 09:37:28 PM
Fatal Tragedy
My ranking: #51. Fatal Tragedy has slightly dropped in my rankings, but I still love it a lot. The highlight is the instrumental section, especially the keyboard solo at 4:10. It sounds so warped and crazy. The very end of the song is cool, with that sudden and ominous quote from the Hypnotherapist. Despite its somewhat dark nature, this is a quote I find myself using in conversation on rare occasions. By the way, some people don't seem to like the chorus, but I don't really get why. The lyrics are kind of confusing, but given the context of the song, I think it can be interpreted as Nicholas showing his determination about trying to figure out the truth behind his dreams.

Lines in the Sand
My ranking: #45. Gorgeous intro, awesome verses, great chorus, 10/10 guitar solo, and some of the best lyrics ever put in a Dream Theater song. Simply a fantastic song, I don't know what else to say.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 25, 2022, 09:52:29 PM
I will mention here that I would request of KevShmev to start a separate thread for the songs that do not make the Top 100 after the next countdown. 

We should totally do that! DT's 101st-162nd best songs! I am sure I've made a point about not caring for any Majesty era material or songs with Charlie on vocals. But I enjoy hearing the old timers like Scotty talk about them. Maybe I have not been giving them a fair shake, I dunno.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 25, 2022, 10:37:01 PM
deleted
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 25, 2022, 10:57:41 PM
18 Fatal Tragedy (Did Not Rank)

Just because it's off of my list does not indicate how I value this song. This song is amazing, and I prefer it with Through My Words included. I also prefer some of the Demo sections that were left off of the album, like the lyrics before the verse starts. I enjoy the buildup of the song as it progresses. It's signifies Nicholas reliving those scenes of Victoria being murdered. I like the ending and love the unison section. It's one of their best build-ups. I did not rank it because I just forgot about it and also it works better as the scene of Through My Words-Fatal Tragedy.

17 Lines In The Sand #37

I for one feel this song lost a lot by excluding the verse that's in the demo, and i'm glad they brought it back in the Chaos in Motion version of the song. The song on the album is okay, but I prefer the live versions of the song. It's a great song that grooves live, and it does sound better without the Doug Pinnick vocals and JLB is worthy of singing that part on his own. I really love this solo, and it sounds amazing on Chaos in Motion. I would consider that my definitive version of the song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: NoFred on January 25, 2022, 11:16:22 PM
20. At Wit’s End, all the early D/T reviews said this is the one… and it was, just an absolute monster of a song. #10 and the best of the very complementary D/T and AVFTTOTW. Please play this next month! I’m onboard with the false ending but think it would be better experienced without the extended silence in between. Also the song that cemented JLB as my top lyricist for the band.

19. The Mirror, essential DT right here, if I had one minute to introduce someone to the band I’d just hit play on this, #30.

18. Fatal Tragedy, have this third out of the Scenes side 1 triumvirate at #9 (BTL 2, SDV 4). Definitely plays great live, possibly one of their best when intro’d with Through My Words as everyone sings along to that. If (when) they go back to the SFAM well for something to play, I hope it’s this one.

17. Lines in the Sand, since day one I’m a hard no on the backing chorus, #94.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 25, 2022, 11:26:24 PM
Listening to Lines in the Sand again, and everything that follows the guitar solo and then slowly builds back up to the chorus is so tremendous. This song is really excellent.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 26, 2022, 12:17:09 AM
The live version of LitS from Bucharest 2001-02 is my favorite!!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 26, 2022, 12:53:31 AM
20. At Wit's End (#17) the first fifteen seconds is a bit jarring to me, otherwise it would be Top Ten.  I will never forget my first listen to D/T with my headphones on.  I was somewhat jarred awake during that extreme cyclone of a  beginning.  After my first listen, I was hesitant to admit to on this forum, but I did…I was actually in tears during the fade out,  as the ‘don’t leave me now’ segment made me feel as if I was calling out to my deceased Mom from decades ago :heart.

It hurts that I feel that yearning every single time on every single replay.  In spite of that ‘pain’, I listen to my Side Two (with ‘Viper King’ inserted after ‘Out of Reach’) a couple of times a month.  Yeah, the album still has that ‘new car smell.’  Yet it has been three years.  But, you know what?  This is probably going to be Top Ten a few years from now.

Almost forgot (but who can ever forget)…..the reprise sound and reminder melody is an absolute stroke of genius on top of an already unforgettable song.

19.  The Mirror (NR) Is it sacrilege to say that I don’t even have it on my ‘Awake’ cdr version?  That ‘my’ Side 2 version is ….    Lie (45) / To Live Forever / Lifting Shadows Off A Dream / Scarred  …

(btw, sorry to disappoint Setlist Scotty that  pg1067 was not the one NOT to list this, but me .  But that's what you get for not listing TSCO😉 )

18.  Fatal Tragedy (#29)
I listed Through My Words #28 because they go together.  As with ‘Misunderstood’, another ‘jump out of my chair and search for Brian May’s name’ in the credits when I first heard this.  It still rates high, whether the Queen guitarist had played on it or not.  Nice to see it listed even higher than my rating.

17.  Lines in the Sand (NR)
Great intro, and I’ll listen to the first two minutes or so because of the ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ fade out/in.  Wonderful middle instrumental, but …….  those guest vocals ruin it for me to the point that I don’t include the last ten minutes on my FII cdr.  I like the demo.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Shalev Amir on January 26, 2022, 03:03:32 AM
I was late to the party, but Lines in the Sand is my number 3. It's just perfect, the intro is one of the best in the discography, the chorus is super fun and I actually like the ad libs (which unfortunately drags the song down for a lot of people), the bridge and the solo of course... I've seen plenty of people call it one of the worst DT songs so I'm happy it got a deserving place  :metal
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: wolfking on January 26, 2022, 03:07:15 AM
20 At Wit’s End
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 2 (Ben_Jamin, marztacy)





19 The Mirror
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (Setlist Scotty)


At Wit's End is amazing. But apparently, I'm one of the two lists that it was left off it seems. I went to my spreadsheet but for some reason I mistakenly didn't paste it over.  :facepalm:

I had it originally at #27. I love this song. Total screw up on my part.



I had The Mirror at #99, as it got in once I removed the AVFTTOTW songs and Solitary Shell.
It has the cheesiest MP lyric..."my will or my won't". :lol

I've never cared for The Mirror. I think live in the moment it's fine, but definitely not a fave.

Yeah that blows.  Makes me feel a bit better for totally missing Strange Deja-Vu.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 26, 2022, 03:11:45 AM
AWE - #11 for me.  Was blown away as soon as I heard it.  Love LaBrie's lyrics which I can highly relate to and JP's solo is easily one of his best.

TM - #14 for me.  It's heavy as fuck and always loved Labrie's delivery on this one.  The 'I'll never hurt you again' going into the SDV melody is a DT highlight.  Love it.

FT - #16.  Has everything you could ask for from DT.  Everything about it is just brilliant and the way the whole thing builds up from start to finish is just magic, brilliant songwriting.

LITS - #58.  Solid song.  Really surprised it ranked top 20.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 26, 2022, 06:02:48 AM
Alright, let's get today's two out there today.

It is notable that one of today's songs is the first to have made all 26 lists!



16 Bridges in the Sky
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 6 (NoFred)


This was the song. Like others, when Portnoy departed, you couldn't help but wonder how the band would be going forward.  When I heard this song and how great it was, I was like, "Okay, everything is going to be just fine."  I had it at 36.


15 Surrounded
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 4 (Elite)


This song is like a melodic amusement park.  No matter where you look, the melodies are jumping out of the speakers at you.  I had this at 10 (a little higher than normal, but I won't argue with the rankings engine).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Elite on January 26, 2022, 06:47:50 AM
Surrounded!! :heart

Obviously I hoped for higher, but #15 is good! :)

That song completes my trifecta of favourite short DT tunes. If you recall the rest of my longer posts, I had Space-Dye Vest at #3 and Innocence Faded at #5. These two, together with Surrounded are all equally special to me in a sense. All songs speak to me on an emotional level and to me, they're all connected in a sense, because lyrically they are similar - at least to me they are! Aside from that they're all short and they all feature amazing performances in their own way.

My #1 and #2 haven't shown up yet, but they're far from 'original' picks. In general, I also do think that my #1 and #2 are 'better' tunes, both for different reasons. Though as far as personal favourites go, Space-Dye Vest, Surrounded and Innocence Faded are probably more special to me, which is why they occupied #3-5 on my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 26, 2022, 06:56:08 AM
16 Bridges in the Sky
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 6 (NoFred)


I had Bridges In The Sky at #41. It's a beast live. I love how when they opened with it, after the bombastic opening, about 35 seconds in, they go right to work on an intricate pattern. I always thought that was cool as shit. Shocked that we got to the #16 song before we had our first unanimous choice. My biggest gripe about the song though is that the final vocal part felt like kind of a letdown. I wanted James to hit an epic ending, but he goes out with a wimper. Similar to the new album's title track.


15 Surrounded
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 4 (Elite)


This is a great song with a fantastic vocal by James. I had this at #29.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 26, 2022, 07:17:20 AM
Oh, wow, Bridges in the Sky is ok, but it’s kind of amazing that it’s unanimous. I have it at 87.

Surrounded is really wonderful, and the second highest from I&W on my list at 13. Definitely one that I still find rewarding despite having heard I&W a million times. The lighter side of DT, but still has that heavier instrumental section with a solo that really shreds. A lot of great keyboard work from Kevin, great singing from James as well.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 26, 2022, 07:39:00 AM
18 Fatal Tragedy (#25) - If you consider together with Through My Words, this scene is the most representative of the overall style of Scenes. It's an amazing song with one of the best instrumental sections from their discography.

17 Lines in the Sand (#4) - It's really an "one and only" DT song, they never would sound so jazzy again like this. Since it's a bit controversial, I must say that I'm very found of Dug's singing on the chorus.

16 Bridges in the Sky (#18) - Epic, killer song with a killer solo/instrumental (it's a detail, but I LOVE how Mangini uses de picollo snare drum in the middle of it). As for all ADTOE, imagine this song with punchy drums on it...

15 Surrounded (#85) - Really really like this song, it's just that the more melodic DT side overall stays behind the epic and heavy sides to me, hence its lower ranking. I love the Live at the Marquee version, not only because the amazing energy of it, but also because of 2 minor details: the sound of piano replacing that more dated keyboard patch at the beginning and the splashes cymbals that MP added around 2:38 and 3:36 mark.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on January 26, 2022, 07:41:56 AM
I had Fatal Tragedy at 50. It’s one of those songs where when I think about it I feel indifferent about it, but when I hear it I’m reminded it’s fucking awesome. I think the first half drags a bit for me, but the instrument is killer, especially live.

Lines in the Sand came at 25. I’ve always liked this song but it’s really begun to resonate with me the last 2 years. The solo is amazing and the main riff is such a fun groove (like a lot of FII; it was such a fun album honestly)

Bridges in the Sky is #8 for me. What a fucking song. How this song didn’t open the album is beyond me. Epic opening with the throat singing right into a killer open 7th string groove with the bass and drums following, right into one of my favorite DT riffs, into that classic DT technical bit and back to the riff to go to the first verse? Perfection. Love the structure of this song and there is no weak moment for me. Really hope they play this live for a full tour again.

Surrounded came in at 32 for me. Super positive, happy vibes with this song. Listening to it now I may have even ranked it too low!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 26, 2022, 07:43:39 AM
18 Fatal Tragedy (#25) - If you consider together with Through My Words, this scene is the most representative of the overall style of Scenes. It's an amazing song with one of the best instrumental sections from their discography.

17 Lines in the Sand (#4) - It's really an "one and only" DT song, they never would sound so jazzy again like this. Since it's a bit controversial, I must say that I'm very found of Dug's singing on the chorus.

16 Bridges in the Sky (#18) - Epic, killer song with a killer solo/instrumental (it's a detail, but I LOVE how Mangini uses de picollo snare drum in the middle of it). As for all ADTOE, imagine this song with punchy drums on it...

15 Surrounded (#85) - Really really like this song, it's just that the more melodic DT side overall stays behind the epic and heavy sides to me, hence its lower ranking. I love the Live at the Marquee version, not only because the amazing energy of it, but also because of 2 minor details: the sound of piano replacing that more dated keyboard patch at the beginning and the splashes cymbals that MP added around 2:38 and 3:36 mark.

Amazing how you and I have Surrounded and Bridges in the Sky essentially flipped around in our rankings, but we agree on Lines in the Sand!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 26, 2022, 08:08:13 AM
Cool! It makes sense if you consider Surrounded and BITS being more or less in opposite sides in the spectrum of DT style.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 26, 2022, 12:42:19 PM
18 Fatal Tragedy #
17 Lines In the Sand #24
16 Bridges In the Sky #8
15 Surrounded #32

Fatal Tragedy I did not rank 'cause being lifted out of Scenes as a stand-alone, it's good, but not a song I visit often. It needs the concept of Scenes I guess and especially LaBrie's narrative-way of delivering, I do not like that much in particular.

Bridges In the Sky is a top 10 for me. Wonderful track and the chorus I sing often, all of a sudden, like being in the shower or so. LaBrie shines and really sounds epic. I also like Petrucci's lyrical phrase "I will not grow in the light, until I pass through the darkest corners of my heart." It's a sentence he expands on in the Surrender, Trust & Passion-part of Illumination Theory.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 26, 2022, 12:52:57 PM
Had Bridges at 69 and had Surrounded at 57.  I'm a little surprised both ranked so high.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 26, 2022, 01:42:29 PM
16. Bridges In the Sky  (#23)
Perfect opener after the ‘Dream Is Collapsing’ tape on that tour.  I do delete the beginning ‘groans’, which is probably why I don’t rate it even higher.  My wife really loves the music, we do change the one lyric to ‘someone’ instead of ‘shaman’, and we always have to make one remark during every listen about how it sounds as if James is singing ‘make killing waters bury all my pain’.

I’m with TAC as to the ‘take my hand’ singing, wishing the ‘style’ was reversed during the choruses. But, then again, it’s Dream Theater, so they didn’t.  I will admit it would be nice to hear them reversed on some sort of a demo issue.

In total agreement with Kev in remarks as to DT being 'back / still here' with this song. With inspiring lyrics, no filler, and never feels like it is an eleven minute song. Enjoyable from start to finish.

(btw…I can’t wait to read jammindude’s review)

12. Surrounded  (#15) someone on this forum years ago mentioned how the beginning synth is a copy/homage of the beginning of Queen’s ‘Father To Son’ (next to BoRhap, ‘Procession/Father to Son’ is (are) my next favorite Queen song/s).  I never had noticed until reading that, always loved this from the get go, as to lyrics, melodies, etc etc. before then, but totally took notice of it afterwards.  No complaints about that, as well as what follows.

And, how 'bout that, yet another 'ballad' where I didn't rank it higher than others ;)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 26, 2022, 04:17:50 PM
GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!!!

My wife had knee replacement surgery yesterday.  We spent so much time and energy getting ready for it and now so much attention to her recovery that time is just racing by me. 

But I'm working from home today, so there's a bit of a timeout to finally do my catch up post.


30. Beyond This Life - Me #4

It's no secret that I have LONG held that this is the greatest song from SFAM.   I absolutely ADORE this track and especially the "Zappa" instrumental section that seems to be so controversial.   What's more is that I think the extended version from LAB might be DT's greatest live moment of all time.  I'm just sad that it didn't rank even higher. (although I was a bit surprised that at least one person rated it higher than I did...good call)

29. Under a Glass Moon - Me #13

Still IMO JP's greatest ever guitar solo...studio or live.  I think it's the "backsweep" near the middle that nails it for me.   But the entire thing is just pure gold.   I don't often pay attention to guitar solos, but that particular one is just jaw-dropping from beginning to end.  The main body of the song is a perfect balance of groove and off-kilter timing that sucked me into DT fandom almost instantly

28. The Spirit Carries On - Me #66

It's such a beautiful ballad.  And it's perfectly placed in the story of SFAM.   I probably should have placed it higher...but it almost seems a bit overplayed and maybe even a bit "kitchy" at times.   I have to be in the mood for it.

27. Pull Me Under - Me #17

It's hard to forget your first love.   This is still a great goto song when trying to introduce someone to Dream Theater.   I have to admit that the drum sound does sound a bit "dated" on IAW these days...but the songs are there, and they are what they are...because the non-triggered version on the greatest hits album (which I thought would be an improvement) just didn't sound right at all.

26. Take the Time - Me #9

I think this song was THE moment that I knew I was listening to something especially special.   ;D  Because my buddy while I was working at Tower Records was hyping this album to the hilt.   When I heard PMU, I loved it and I knew they could bring the "balls and chunk", then AD showed that they were very dynamic and could go from "metal" to "smooth jazz" in a single song, so that was cool.   But then when TTT kicked in and it had a completely different vibe from the first two tracks, I immediately thought "Ya...*this* album is definitely a keeper.  And this band is going to be the next band I fall in love with."

25. In the Presence of Enemies - Me #70

On my first two attempts, this song didn't even rank at all.   But I re-listened before my third try and remembered how really fantastic Part 1 is.   It's really just part 2 that brings it down.    It is still by far their worst epic.   

24. Strange Deja Vu - Me #27

Perfect proper beginning to one of the greatest concept albums in prog rock history! I'll never forget when I *FINALLY* got my in-store play copy after playing the 4-song pre-release for weeks.  I hardly got any work done because I was just completely blown away.  After already following the band for over 6 years, and knowing the crap they had been through over the previous 3, to hear them hit it out of the park like this was a listening experience I will never forget.

23. Illumination Theory - Me #21

Such a gorgeous track.   To some, it is disjointed.  But I think that, given the theme, it is perfectly crafted.  I would love to see DT do another show with an orchestra JUST so we could see the beautiful string section recreated live.   I get why they did the tape thing on the tour, but it would be cool to see it completely live someday.

22. Blind Faith - Me #97

This is a really solid song.   Just doesn't strike me the way so many other DT songs do.   I guess I'm in the minority in feeling like SDOIT is a "solid but flawed" effort.   TGP and the title track both made my top 11.   But out of the other 4 songs, 2 are in the 90s and the other two didn't rank at all.  But I still consider Blind Faith and Misunderstood to be rock solid DT tunes.

21. Space Dye Vest - Me #64

LOVE this song and I'm surprised it didn't make my top 50.  To me, it's the perfect introduction to KM's solo material.  (Dead Air For Radios is without a doubt on my "desert island album" list)   And the idea that it would have been left off Awake if they had known Kevin was leaving is just ludicrous to me.   Awake just ending on Scarred fading out?    Can't picture it at all.  This makes a perfect "soliloquy" to an amazing album.

20. At Wit's End - Me #40

Certainly a standout from Distance Over Time.  Even though I've been back and forth on the pros and cons of TA...it was nice to hear DT be DT again.   This is a bit of an uneven album in retrospect, but the highs are very high, and this is one of those highs.

19. The Mirror - Me #16

I usually say that this is my favorite song from Awake, but that's probably just me overhyping the underdog.   Because when it came right down to it, I ranked Scarred and Voices a bit higher.  But I still say this is definitely the most underrated song from Awake.  It's only flaw is that is intrinsically tied to the worst song from Awake (Lie).   I much prefer the version from LSFNY that combines the song and the "Lie-outro" into a single piece, omitting Lie completely.   I used Audacity to make a studio version of the exact same thing, and burned it as an intro track to my 12SS mix CD.

18. Fatal Tragedy - Me #15

Everytime I burn a mix CD to introduce a friend to DT, this is always an immediate goto track.  It's got a great mix of styles (love the Brian May-nod) and yet the song is fairly short and easily digestible while still showing off what talented musicians they all are.   A great example of "everything DT is about" in a slightly smaller than usual package.

17. Lines in the Sand - Did not rank...came in at #105

Definitely one of the most overrated songs in DT's history.   The intro is pretty cool, but never cared for that chorus at all.   I'm a BIG Doug Pinnick fan, so when I heard he was making a guest appearance, I was really hyped.   But some ideas sound better on paper than they turn out to be in real life.  This is just not one of DT's better songs, and the entire album would have been much improved if they had subbed out Raise the Knife instead. 

16. Bridges in the Sky - Me #26

I wish they would have kept the original title (Shaman's...something...was it Shaman's Dance?) because I think that fits the feel of the song better.   But nevertheless, this song is spectacular and having it open the set on the ADTOE tour was PERFECT. 

15. Surrounded - Me #38

Love the main beat of this song.   Heck, just going through this top 100 reminds me every time of how giddy I was about every single song from IAW.   It's like falling in love with that album all over again.  Probably one of my favorite moments is how the second verse is so different in delivery from the first verse.  And the "light to dark, dark to light, light to dark, dark to light" just gives me goosebumps every single time.   What a beautiful way to close out the first half of that album. 

WHEW!!!  I did it!!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 26, 2022, 04:34:43 PM
GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!!!


(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/31/d6/a6/31d6a699cb08b1ca0541ed9db4ca99f0--sanford-and-son-tv-guide.jpg)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 26, 2022, 04:35:25 PM
My wife had knee replacement surgery yesterday.  We spent so much time and energy getting ready for it and now so much attention to her recovery that time is just racing by me. 


Yikes! Hope everything is going OK with that.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on January 26, 2022, 04:54:02 PM
GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!!!

My wife had knee replacement surgery yesterday.  We spent so much time and energy getting ready for it and now so much attention to her recovery that time is just racing by me. 

My mom just had the same surgery a week ago, so I understand what you are going through. Wishing your wife a quick recovery  :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 26, 2022, 05:18:56 PM
#18 Fatal Tragedy  -  8.   Part of a run of my favorite DT music. I love the heavy rockers!

#17 Lines In the Sand  -  18.  Like all of FIF, I love the groovy sound. Lines is a top song. The live versions are fab.

#16 Bridges In the Sky  -  13.  Just a very cool song with an interesting concept.  I always think of the Clan of the Cave bear book. (book WAY better than the movie, which was so awful, I didn't watch). The shaman takes some sort of hallucinogen to get deep into his mind, and then can better advise the clan.

#15 Surrounded  - 58.  It's beautiful.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 26, 2022, 05:36:30 PM
Thank you to all! My wife is currently very very sore, but the doctor said that the operation went exactly according to spec. “Boring…in a good way” were the doctors words.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 26, 2022, 06:02:41 PM
I have Bridges at #14. Not sure it should be that high, definitely Top 25 material.

Surrounded I have at #47. It's a great song, just not something I'd put in their Top 40. #15 seems way too high.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: NoFred on January 26, 2022, 11:08:32 PM
16. Bridges in the Sky, tops at #6 for me, both my first favorite off of ADTOE and their best live opener, how it this not a set list staple? I have no idea.

15. Surrounded, NR… my fault I didn’t include it when ranking. Chose to drop a few songs from each album to make things more interesting. Fantastic song. Top 20 does feel like it’s taking a spot away from something not from I&W.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: 425 on January 26, 2022, 11:18:33 PM
I've fallen behind again, so here's my catchup. #20-15 see two of my top ten drop, and then a few songs that I like a lot but don't put in the category of elite.


20. At Wit's End
My ranking: #66

I think is a really good song, though I'm not over the moon about it to the degree that others evidently are. This stands right now as my second favorite on DoT, behind Fall into the Light, but I could see it outpacing that one over time. It's a song I feel I don't fully "get" yet, even though it's been out for close to three years now. Like Revenge319, I think the first half of the song is merely "good," but the second half is really, really strong, both vocally and instrumentally.


19. The Mirror
My ranking: #63

It's only really come to my attention recently just how beloved this song is around here. If it wasn't for the survivor, I think I would have been surprised to see this one in the top 20, but because of its performance there, I expected this.

I think it's a very good song, like most of Awake. Kevin Moore was really good at pairing melodic and atmospheric keyboards with heavy riffs, and this song definitely shows that off. And JLB pulls off a really powerful performance. It's just not quite in that elite top 50 group, for me.


18. Fatal Tragedy
My ranking: #67

Another big-time fan favorite that I think is quite good, but just don't quite "get." To me, this is among the weaker songs on a superb album. I have it 9th on the album, only ahead of Regression and the Throughs. I think the reason is that I find the vocal melodies to be less excellent than the other SFAM songs.

That said, I'll fully acknowledge that this is an excellent song instrumentally. There's a lot of cool stuff in the instrumental section, and a lot of subtle things Jordan does all over the song that elevate it. I really like how octane it gets in the last minute.


17. Lines in the Sand
My ranking: #8

Now we're talking! This is an amazing song that has just grown more and more on me over the years. I like how jazzy and groovy this one gets while still maintaining a pretty tight structure. One of my favorite things in music is a build-up, and there are tons of build-ups in this song. There's the build in each section from the relatively quiet verse to the mounting tension in the prechorus, to the huge chorus. Then there's the overall build from the slowly mounting intro through the second chorus and the short instrumental break after it. And finally the build from the quiet JP solo through the end.

That JP solo is something else. One of his best, IMO. Especially starting at 6:25 when it picks up a bit. The whole second half of the song, from the JP solo to the end, is transcendent. The "We fabricate our demons" verse is a fine, fine hour for James. Then things are just electric as we build up through that awesome instrumental part to the verse again and head for the final huge chorus.

There's only one disappointment, and it's the thing I would choose if I could make just one change to FII. Add Raise the Knife, remove You Not Me? No. Restore the "Baptized, enlightened" section to Lines in the Sand. That part is pure brilliance, adding one more section of epic build-up to get from the verse to the chorus. I love the live versions that restore that section. But I prefer Dug Pinnick's vocals on the chorus, so... my kingdom for a version that has both him and that one little section.

Still, an amazing, amazing song. Says something that I love it this much, and it's only #8.


16. Bridges in the Sky
My ranking: #49

I had this a couple of spots ahead of Outcry, but after the discussion of Outcry earlier in the thread, I changed my mind, and now would have Outcry a little ahead of this. But they're both really good songs, and, interestingly, really different songs, despite being adjacent on the album and 23 seconds different in length.

I think Bridges in the Sky is the song that suffers the most from the dubious production ADTOE. This song is supposed to be heavy and have a lot of oomph to it, and the ADTOE mix just drains it of all that. Luna Park is a definite improvement, and when this song is at its full potential, it's really good. A lot of good riffs, and a great flow to all the vocal melodies. And, of course, a great instrumental section. This is the song where I first really paid attention to JLB's ability to add a bit of subtle grit to elevate a part—"May healing waters bury all my pain."


15. Surrounded
My ranking: #6

This song is incredible. Kev said it really well: "No matter where you look, the melodies are jumping out of the speakers at you." This song is so bright, lush, and beautiful. The lyrics are solemn yet uplifting. It's tied with Wait for Sleep as my favorite KM lyric, and I think it's a spiritual sibling (the scene is someone lying awake at night and looking out the window, but there's a deep spiritual significance to the moment). I've always loved the Images and Words album art, though in the vacuum it isn't perfect, because it just captures the emotional tenor of the album incredibly well. And this is the song that is the album art, to me.

JLB is just incredible, incredible, incredible on this one. I really like that almost none of the vocal parts repeats, so there's a clear sense of forward motion, and he just takes you by the hand and leads you on this adventure. When repetition does come, it's unexpected and just indescribably wonderful ("Light to dark, dark to light"). JP's playing here is so melodic all the time (that first lead when the guitar first comes in, all of it. KM's piano intro and outro are beautiful. Everything I could possibly want in a song is pretty much here.

This song is a masterpiece. And it's, uh, definitely not my favorite on the album, which goes to show the esteem in which I hold IAW. (You've already seen that I put Wait for Sleep one spot above it. That's not my favorite on the album, either.)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 26, 2022, 11:36:22 PM
DA! You skip the throat singing at the beginning of BITS? That intro is BADASS! You’re missing the entire emotional setup! For shame!   :metal :metal :laugh: :angel:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 27, 2022, 12:17:29 AM
16 Bridges In The Sky  #51

What can I say about this song...https://youtu.be/GKCl684RFT0....This video is what this song is about. It's an excellent song and I would not mind at all if they played it live. I love how heavy it is, yet that fits the vibe of the meaning. The second chorus is really beautiful. The meaning of this does fit the title of the album, as the experience is dramatic yet it's for the better, as the person is there to get healed. It makes the following songs on the album have a greater impact, especially Breaking All Illusions. The Gregorian Chant sample is perfect and I love it.

15 Surrounded  #8

This song is a really beautiful and uplifting song. I love how it starts and then just keeps going until it hits it's peak ending on a calm note. I was really excited for this song when I saw it in Dallas, the last stop of the entire tour. I wish there was a recording of the entire song and also Learning to Live from this show.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 27, 2022, 01:05:25 AM
16 Bridges In The Sky  #51
What can I say about this song...https://youtu.be/GKCl684RFT0....This video is what this song is about. It's an excellent song and I would not mind at all if they played it live. I love how heavy it is, yet that fits the vibe of the meaning. The second chorus is really beautiful. The meaning of this does fit the title of the album, as the experience is dramatic yet it's for the better, as the person is there to get healed. It makes the following songs on the album have a greater impact, especially Breaking All Illusions. The Gregorian Chant sample is perfect and I love it.

Now that link above made me appreciate the piece even more. Brilliance drops all over the floor from it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 27, 2022, 01:16:09 AM
Bridges in the Sky
My ranking: #46. For as much as I like this song, I'm having a hard time finding much to say about it at the moment. For now, I'll at least say that this has one of the best choruses in any Dream Theater song. It's full of emotion and it sounds so great to listen to.

Surrounded
My ranking: #21. This is my favorite song off of Images and Words. I love it so much, that it actually used to be in my Top 10! It's filled with a very uplifting mood, it's very melodic, and James has so many great vocal moments on this song. I can barely think of any other Dream Theater song (that isn't on The Astonishing) that has such a happy vibe to it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on January 27, 2022, 02:26:32 AM
So...14 left...

7 out of these are in my top 7!
3 in my top 11-16
3 in my 21-60
1 out of my 100

I had

Surrounded #17, great song, but only at 6th place in my I&W ranking! I really love the initial and final melodies (The "I know it's easier" section is always very touching, when the audience sings it during the live shows!), and the main 9/8 riffs and melodies...such a great "weird yet fluent" piece of music

Bridges in the SKy #23 one of the best chourses by Dream Theater, mixed with some cool experimental sections...brave, groovy and melodic at the same time!


Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 27, 2022, 05:58:36 AM
Here we go with the next two!

14 The Count of Tuscany
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 9
Highest Ranking: 2 (AnotherDimension, geeeemo, BRGM)


Great song musically.  I only it had at 39 because the lyrics are so poor, though.  With even solid lyrics, this might have been 10-20 spots higher for me. Still a damn good song, because the music is so great.


13 The Glass Prison
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 8
Highest Ranking: 1 (Laughingplace56)


This is one that was top 25 for me for a while, but landed it at 42 this time.  Still a great song, but some have just aged a little better for me. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 27, 2022, 07:43:08 AM
The Count of Tuscany has a great intro, but then… it just made the list at 99.

The Glass Prison is fun on a certain level, and it came in at 69. In my mind though it started the trend of DT going heavier and more over the top with each release. The 12 Step Suite was frustrating for me n general. It took up space on five different releases, and was a big contributor to my loss of interest in the band in that period.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Lonk on January 27, 2022, 07:44:50 AM
The Count of Tuscany landed at 79 for me, and that was me being generous. It could have easily fallen off the top 100. It is fine piece but I never understood the love for it. It was the first Epic I saw live during the 09 tour, and it was fine but idk, just bottom of the epics for me along with IT. Just not my thing I guess.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 27, 2022, 08:44:41 AM
14. The Count of Tuscany (#78)
Low due to the lyrics.  Terrific intro, and the 'spacey' final eight minutes or so gets me every time.

13. The Glass Prison (NR)
My introduction to DT on stage and then my first purchase.  Terrific opening, but there are moments scattered throughout that I found unappealing.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on January 27, 2022, 08:53:08 AM
The Count of Tuscany: 59 for me, nice epic but there's nothing I really love in it...the outro is cool, but a bit too "basic" for Dream Theater standards

The Glass Prison: NR I am glad I'm not the only one... :biggrin: I think the intro is fantastic, the arpeggios are very interesting and the initial riff is cool and groovy, but after the 3'00" mark it's just a complete disaster for my tastes...some melodies are close to cacophonous, and the instrumental section is just boring...

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on January 27, 2022, 09:53:57 AM
The Count of Tuscany was my #4. It was the first 15+ minute song that connected with me when I started listening to DT. I’ve mentioned earlier in this thread that DT’s lyrics aren’t the strongest in general imo, and I pay more attention to the music and the vocal phrases/melodies than to the actual words, so the cheesy lyrics don’t bother me too much. The music in this song is just phenomenal. I love it when JP plays that spacey, atmospheric effect on the guitar like in the solo break. The intro is gorgeous, the verse main riff is a lot of fun, I think the vocal melody in the chorus is really catchy, and the ending is epic. All around incredible song that could even be my #1 on some days.

Ranking DT songs has become impossible to do accurately. With so many excellent songs in their catalog, over time my top 25 songs have become interchangeable; what song I consider to be my favorite solely depends on my mood at the time. I’ve long regarded that The Glass Prison is my favorite song of theirs, and the ranking engine gave me that same result. This song has one of the most epic intros they’ve ever produced; the ringing bell above the static going into the bass line is such a great way to open an album. The main 3 riffs throughout the song are all killer. The best part of the song is the final section; that fast, proggy riff is an awesome background for the solos and keeps that section driving, and JP’s second solo is still my favorite of his ever. The endless instrumental section after the solos is everything great about DT: heavy, proggy, and just plain fun. JLB and MP really nail the ending on vocals and drums, and ends a 14 min song with a BANG. Forever one of my favorite songs of all time.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 27, 2022, 11:14:34 AM
The Count of Tuscany was my #4.

Have it on four as well. It was the first epic I was familiar with and for a while it surely was my #1. Although the lyrics are not topnotch, they're not bad also and I like the actual encouter of it. Besides, Tuscany is a beautiful, somehow mystique landscape, which fits this track really well. The live-edition where Petrucci weaved in a lullaby through the solo is just wonderful. And as you mentioned Laughingplace56... LaBrie ends it with an epic-vocal-solo which is over the moon. Although my top 4 switch places every once in a while, The Count will remain there forever I'll think.


Quote
Ranking DT songs has become impossible to do accurately. With so many excellent songs in their catalog, over time my top 25 songs have become interchangeable; what song I consider to be my favorite solely depends on my mood at the time.

I totally agree on what you wrote down. I made a top 100 but along the way its interchangeable in so many places. Like, I heard Scarred on my iPhone this afternoon, on a walk outside and I immediately thought, 'ouch, I should have raised it way higher'. But that's what could happen with so many of their discography. After the 'holy 4', there's The Glass Prison. Partly for being such an unbelievable good piece and a stand-out song overall. I can't hear any churchbells on sunday without playing the intro in my head. But mostly I consider the Twelve Step suite as one of their most gorgious composed musical pieces. And this one is so much of a kick-start.

14 The Count of Tuscany #4
13 The Glass Prison #5

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 27, 2022, 11:18:34 AM
The Count is a no-go for me, but TGP is awesome.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Elite on January 27, 2022, 12:20:01 PM
So, there’s the one I knew would be coming but did not rank (The Count of Tuscany - at #105 and that’s despite me playing along the verses/choruses in the first part on guitar quite often, because that’s fun. Listening to the song just doesn’t interest me at all.

The Glass Prison came in at #21. Cool track, not the best on its album (that was The Great Debate for me), but second best isn’t too bad :) my favourite from the twelve step suite thing, it’s Dream Theater doing heavy quite well here.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 27, 2022, 01:04:00 PM
#14 The Count of Tuscany  - 2.  It has moved up in the last couple years. Really the top 10 or 20 are fluid with the exception of 1. But the top 10 are pretty much the top 10.  I don't agree with the commentary of the lyrics being cheesy. (ok one line... a tad) They paint a great picture for me and I was able to visualize the story very well with them. This song again has it all. Story, heavy, epic, prog/atmosphere and I always get the "feels" with it at the end.  And like others have said, the live version is So Good.  This is a bucket-list concert song for me.  My son who I turned on to DT - this is his number 1.  He plays it and I love when I am cooking in the kitchen and I can listen!


13 The Glass Prison  - 25.  Great rocker!!..I just like others more. I am not a huge fan of the 12ss. This and Root are the only ones I really dig.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 27, 2022, 01:15:30 PM
14 The Count of Tuscany #16

I enjoy Black Clouds and Silver Linings because the songs are about personal situations or experiences within the band. Found This Video (https://youtu.be/FU3027fuZBE?t=367) where JP describes the songs lyrics. Basically, this song is that story in music form. I like it because the music goes through these emotional moments. The intro has a sort of wonderment and excitement of going to check out a new interesting place. Then it get's a bit tense as you are told more about the history of the place you are going to. I like the song from the middle ambient section to the bombastic ending due to the emotion behind it. The feeling of unsureness and fear of where you are, and then being comforted that nothing is going to happen and it's not how you think it seems. I don't think there is anything more to the lyrics other than telling an interesting story. I see the lyrics as JP describing that story, the same way he does in the video. Sort of like a person saying, "Wanna hear what happened to me the other day?" I love the ending and think it's one of their best live endings because the audience can sing along with the "woah's".  This is one song I would really love to see live one day, and if they do decide to play it, will likely try and see a show.

13  The Glass Prison #36

I first heard this song at Gigantour, and it was funny because we were going to the pit, as we found ways to get in, and my cousin pulls out the wrong ticket so we have to go all the way around to the other side. We get to the top of the open GA grass area on top of the outdoor amphitheater and then JM starts the intro. By the time we get to our seats, they start the heavy section and it was straight up energy from there. I love the significance of the bells and the record skipping in the intro, it's like a crossfade and has different meanings, one is that the bells signal the extension of the ending to SFAM, and then the sound of church bells ringing in the rain as the alcoholic person seeks redemption with a higher power. I think it's neat how they ended the song with the glass breaking as I see it as the person shutting the open door behind them shattering the cell of the glass prison they were in.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: 425 on January 27, 2022, 04:45:05 PM
Only have time for one right now, but I'll come back later tonight for The Glass Prison.

14. The Count of Tuscany
My ranking: #26

This song used to me a top 10 or even top 5 song for me, but it hasn't aged quite as well as some of the others that are up there. I've come to feel there's a little bit of a disjoint between the centerpiece of the song (the verse and chorus section) and the rest, and that the centerpiece section is somewhat weaker than the rest, which is characterized by a ton of great melodic playing.

Listening to it now, I think #26 might be a bit of an overcorrection. I don't think this is top 10 for me anymore, but I think it has a solid case for being in the top 20. The melodic parts, especially the introduction and last section, are really, really good. And the verse-chorus section is good in its own right. I actually like the slightly hammy nature of that part, including MP's vocal contributions. I don't quite feel like the two parts belong in the same song together, which is what keeps it out of the top 10, but in retrospect I could see myself revising it up to the 15-19 range.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 27, 2022, 06:47:29 PM
Glass Prison: #38. Always have had this song as my 4th favorite on 6DoiT. It's a solid song, but I like so many other songs more.

Count of Tuscany: #54. It's a good song, nothing more. The intro is too long (how many times have I said that in this thread?), and the lyrics, while not horrible, are not helped by the vocal lines. I can forgive bad lyrics if the vocal melodies are strong, and they just are not here. I did enjoy seeing this live, it made me appreciate it more.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 27, 2022, 07:15:46 PM
14 TCOT (#12)
Just a great epic... amazing intro and all the music until 11 minutes is so intense, modern, but also with a bit of a nostalgic feel. The atmospheric passage with the more acoustic ending are perfect. And the ending feels even more nostalgic, so good! Many complain about the lyrics, but I think the story told here is really interesting to follow.

13 TGP (#11)
Relentless, incredible song and so unexpected for the band at the time! The instrumental section, beginning with that insane bass line and those last verses ("Way off in the distance I saw the door...") give me goosebumps still today!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 27, 2022, 08:08:25 PM
The Count of Tuscany
My ranking: #5. One of the greatest song Dream Theater has ever made. The intro and outro are truly spectacular, but the same can be said for every other part of the song. The first verse has this adventurous and magical feel to it, and it really feels like a journey across the countryside. The pre-chorus is suitably ominous, and the chorus itself perfectly captures all the emotions it's trying to convey. The ambient section is so nice to listen to, and the end of it leads perfectly into the acoustic section, and from there it builds up to one of the greatest endings Dream Theater has ever created. The lyrics are really well-written in this song, and I see nothing wrong with them. Maybe if this story was fictitious I could understand them coming across as overdramatic, but if I went through the exact scenario that John Petrucci did here, I'd probably feel the exact same way. I also really like the lyrics in the first verse that talk about the ride to the castle, and what everything looks like ("At last we came upon / A picturesque estate / On sprawling emerald fields / An ancient world of times gone by"). I mean no exaggeration when I say everything in this song is perfect. This song even used to be #3 on my list, and for it to only go down two spots since then, that's evident enough of how well this song holds up for me after all this time.

The Glass Prison
My ranking: #9. What else can I say about this song that hasn't been said by anyone else? It's one of Dream Theater's heaviest and most aggressive songs, and they pull it off magnificently. It's an intense and awesome 13 minutes of music, all the way through. Now, normally I'd have this somewhere in the Top 20; using my 2019 rankings as a comparison, it was #17. However, now it's shot straight up to #9, the top of Tier 2 of my DT rankings. Why? This song is already one of Dream Theater's best works, but my main reason for putting it this high is because of the lyrics, of all things. The lyrics and what they're talking about, combined with the intensity of James' and Mike's vocals and the music surrounding them, are so powerful that they've affected me on a personal level. I won't go into detail, but to put it simply, listening to it a few months ago filled me with the motivation to try to make a conscious effort to put an end to a problem I've had for a while. There are certainly songs I like more than this one, even when just talking about Dream Theater, but I think a song that can affect something about a person for the better is one of the highest compliments a song could ever possibly receive.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: NoFred on January 27, 2022, 10:40:59 PM
14. The Count of Tuscany, Would you like to see, our secret holy place? :facepalm: #26 Best music worst lyrics, they actively detract.

13. The Glass Prison, remember… when 6D came out we knew they could metal, but hadn’t heard it in full until this. #5. Everyone is ON here, and how I miss this combination of focus, fun, and experimentation. Highlight performances by JLB, JM, JP, MP and JR.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: 425 on January 27, 2022, 11:02:27 PM
13. The Glass Prison
My ranking: #46

This song isn't among my top favorites, but it's undeniably an excellent song. In my opinion, it is exceeded by its successor, which manages to be just as heavy and more melodic, but it's still fantastic. There is something inherently cool about them saying for the first time, "Okay, let's go ahead and do a 14-minute slab of progressive metal, with an emphasis on the metal."

Instrumentally, this one just has so much great stuff going on. I don't think it's among their best songs vocally (part of why it's at #46 instead of #16), but JLB has a solid performance, the final section is quite good, and I'm one who likes Mike's contributions here.

And, of course, I can't talk about The Glass Prison without just saying 5:53. I even have that time stamp memorized.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: NoFred on January 27, 2022, 11:19:26 PM
13. The Glass Prison ...slab...

SLAB fantastic word, favorite description of this one yet… it is, and 553 is the kind of part I wish they’d try again. Also I love how this is MPs best (And most appropriate) vocal performance, but after the first lead in JLB is all, *this* is how it’s done.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 27, 2022, 11:27:30 PM
13. The Glass Prison ...slab...

SLAB fantastic word, favorite description of this one yet… it is, and 553 is the kind of part I wish they’d try again. Also I love how this is MPs best (And most appropriate) vocal performance, but after the first lead in JLB is all, *this* is how it’s done.

I absolutely love that first verse.  The call and answer between the two is outstanding.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on January 28, 2022, 12:12:08 AM
So...12 left, and 10 of these are > 10 minutes long...

I have them all in my top 28, I happen to be quite an average DT fan...

Let's see which ones will remain out of the top 10, I am really curious about it...my guess is the two heaviest remaining won't make it...:)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: The Realm on January 28, 2022, 03:23:44 AM

Let's see which ones will remain out of the top 10, I am really curious about it...my guess is the two heaviest remaining won't make it...:)

I'm not sure about this comment, as I've thinking it is debatable what the two heaviest remaining songs are? Personally I am thinking one of the songs that could be considered one of the heaviest remaining songs is surely top 5 and possibly higher.....but who knows...

The Count of Tuscany - I do love this song but also feel its criticisms are rightly justified. My issue is not so much the lyrics themselves but more the vocal phrasing and delivery. There is some really poor singing on this track in those verses etc it really lets the song down. The lyrics are cheesy and straightforward but the way they are sung makes them worse. However, there is also lots of awesomeness too.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 28, 2022, 04:22:35 AM
For me, The Count was at 10 and TGP was at number 9.

I'm kind of surprised at some of the low rankings for The Count.  Yeah, the lyrics are stupid but that ending makes it top 10 material for me.

TGP is just balls out beautiful prog metal, all 13 minutes of it.  Love it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: The Realm on January 28, 2022, 04:43:42 AM
Without a doubt The Count contains some or DTs best ever music so definitely top 20 if not top 10 material.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on January 28, 2022, 04:58:43 AM

Let's see which ones will remain out of the top 10, I am really curious about it...my guess is the two heaviest remaining won't make it...:)

I'm not sure about this comment, as I've thinking it is debatable what the two heaviest remaining songs are? Personally I am thinking one of the songs that could be considered one of the heaviest remaining songs is surely top 5 and possibly higher.....but who knows...


Well, there is probably a 3rd one that could be considered "heavy", but I think it's more "dark" than "heavy"...and I hope it will be in the top 5!  :tup

All the other nine songs are definitively more "proggy" or even "balladish" than heavy...

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 28, 2022, 05:28:19 AM
No time like the present to reveal numbers 12 and 11...;)


12 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 9
Highest Ranking: 1 (devieira73, bosk1)


This was a tough one for me to rank, as it feels more like a bunch of songs, some of which flow well into each other and some of which do not, rather than a single entity, but I still found it good enough when considering it a single song to rank it at 48.  This is the highest ranked song from the album of the same name, which was one of four albums that saw every song from it make the top 100.


11 In the Name of God
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 1 (marztacy, NoFred)


This has been locked in as a top 20 DT song for me for a long time, and I had it 17 this time around.  Even early on, when I was iffy on Train of Thought as a whole, this was one I liked a lot.  Great stuff.  Train of Thought is another album that saw every song make the top 100, and this is its final and highest rated song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: erciccio on January 28, 2022, 05:45:20 AM
Wow!
This is surprising!

One of the 2 "heavy" I was mentioning was indeed ITNOG (#21) for me, a fantastic tune with a great riff, a catchy and epic chorus, and one of the coolest unisons ever conceived by the JP-JR duo..

On the other hand, I was expecting SDOIT to be in the top 10! (#6 for me!).
It's true that it's more a collection of songs than a full suite, but the structure is built mainly around the topic of the lyrics, and I think that this was a really cool idea..
I love a few of the sections (the softer ones and the About To Crash-es), while I am not a fan of the heavier parts....
But overall it's definitively a remarkable and successful musical and lyrical experiment!
 
So now the focus is on the top 10!

I still have "in the race" my #1,2,3,4,5,7,11, 14,16,28
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 28, 2022, 07:42:43 AM
6 Degrees

My number one DT song? To be honest, it was a tough call between it and "the other one", but I think it was hard to compete with a song that it does sound like an album itself. Stylistically it has all  DT is capable to do and they did it in a glorious and very inspired way. Just an observation, I feel like DT has done 4 conceptual albums:  besides SFAM and TA, also 6 Degrees and the 12 Step Suite.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 28, 2022, 07:51:16 AM
11 In the Name of God (#9)

Amazing song from start to finish, great groove and riffs, with a menacing atmosphere through the song. The solo section is one of the greatest and more creative by DT and that ending is really gorgeus and imense!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 28, 2022, 08:27:18 AM
I’m shocked six degrees is not in the top 5 let alone the top 10.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 28, 2022, 08:52:07 AM
6DOIT was down at 61 for me. I've never viewed it as one song really. There are parts of it that I do like a lot, but taken as a whole piece it was impossible to rank very high. I actively dislike and never listen to Overture, War Inside My Head, and The Test That Stumped Them All. I also think the ending is disappointing (though I do like the first part of Losing Time before it wanders off into recapping the song territory). I do like the About to Crash sections, though the lyrics are iffy (high, fly, sky, by) and Goodnight Kiss is pretty cool as well. Solitary Shell taken by itself would probably have landed in my top 25 songs though. It's easily the highlight of the piece and up there with Blind Faith as the highlight of the album.

In the Name of God ended up at 67. I used to say this was my favorite thing on ToT, but revisiting it recently, I didn't care for it much at all. The guitar solo is still pretty cool, but like most of ToT, it's a slog to get through.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on January 28, 2022, 09:03:40 AM
I had ItNoG at 31. This song (and the whole album) is just so much fun. The repeating arpeggio but at the very end of the unison can be a little annoying sometimes, but other than that the whole instrumental section is amazing. I especially love the drum n bass groove throughout that section, and the main riff is nice and heavy.

6DOIT came in at 41 for me. Love the whole thing but there are parts that drag a bit that keeps it from being higher on my list (War Inside My Head being the biggest issue).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Elite on January 28, 2022, 10:56:17 AM
In the Names of God only BARELY made all 26 lists though :lol it was my #99! It's.. okay, I guess? I never, ever revisit this song on it's own and rarely listen to Train of Thought anyway. The solo section is stupid and completely brings down the rest of the song's somewhat serious message. The ending is the best part, because it has that 'epic' feeling. Not too into this one, as you can tell.

Six Degrees was #43 on my list. Some very good parts are dragged down by some others and it doesn't feel like one song at all, but more like a collection of tracks. I've never considered this one of DT's best, and prefer almost every other track on its album to this, but it's a good one nonetheless.

Remaining are my own 1, 2, 6, 11, 12, 13, 15, 22, 27 & 37
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 28, 2022, 01:48:00 PM
Both of those are higher than I would have expected.  ITNOG is MUCH higher.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 28, 2022, 01:55:48 PM
12 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence  #11

I am very fascinated with the theme of 6DOIT. It's an excellent suite with sections that portray a certain mental struggle. The music does a great job of presenting the emotional experience of these struggles. The best parts for me are About To Crash, ATC(Reprise), and Solitary Shell. I love the music behind these sections. It's great too how there are 6 mental issues that are presented, one of which is shown twice, which is neat in that it's reprised in the pov of the girl, rather than those who view her on the outside. The song culminates at the end with the lyrics, "Shame and disgrace over mental unrest, keeps us from saving those we love. The grace within our hearts, and the sorrows in our souls" bringing the overarching theme to a close as the band closes not only the song, but the entire theme of the album, "A journey to find the answers inside our elusive mind."

11  In The Name of God  #19

I first heard this on L@B and was amazed at how epic it is. The intro guitar into the full band heavy riff drew me in right away. I like the melody to the main riff, it makes me think of that sort of leader/tyrant/cult leader on his soapbox. Only in the case of In The Name of God, I see the lyrics as a person from the flock standing up on the soapbox speaking to the congregation about how their leader is manipulative, corrupt, and is not the savior he claims to be, "Passion twisting faith into violence, in the name of god",  the Leader manipulating the flock, and the news or stories of what those on the outside hear. I also like how the band decides to leave the listener with the question of, "does following faith, lead us to violence?"
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 28, 2022, 02:48:47 PM
12 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (#2) After the harsh introduction to the band on Disc 1, this one just blew me away! 

That Kansas inspired instrumental with JPs so sweet guitar is mesmorizing.  MPs drumming being just one of so many highlights.  I want to air drum when driving, and fight the urge to stand up a couple of times like he did during ‘Score’ 😉

I will admit to often skipping the first six minutes of the overture when listening from ‘start’ to finish.  That Kansas inspired instrumental with JPs so sweet guitar in ‘Goodnight Kiss’ is mesmorizing, and I love the laissez fair attitude and music that goes totally against what ‘Solitary Shell’ is about. The Spanish guitar and piano segment that leads into the hard driving end of it....fantastic!   MPs drumming being just one of so many highlights.  I want to air drum when driving, and fight the urge to stand up a couple of times like he did during ‘Score’ 😉

SDoIT is such a smart, complex, and great sounding ‘song’.  Certainly having it divided helps things.  I can think of a few of their long songs that would have benefitted from this. 

oh, and the ‘train’ that adds that little special something to ‘As I Am’

11 In the Name of God (#48) one of two ToT songs that I ranked.  There’s a minute or so of instrumental noodling I could do without.  That said, I enjoy the lyrics, ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ segment, and do think quite highly of it. Glad to have seen it live, and one of the main highlights of 'Budokan'


Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 28, 2022, 02:59:59 PM
14 The Count of Tuscany
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 9
Highest Ranking: 2 (AnotherDimension, geeeemo, BRGM)


I have TCOT at #11. I think musically, it's one of the best things they've written. The intro, the verses, even the middle section is great. But it's that eargasm of an ending that makes this epic. James absolutely slays that part. The lyrics..they're just fine.

13 The Glass Prison
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 8
Highest Ranking: 1 (Laughingplace56)


I didn't rate this. Partly out of protest, but honestly, I think this is the one DT song that has aged the worst in their catalog. I still remember my very first listen to 6 D's. When TGP ended, I was blown away. I literally listened to it a second time before moving on. But it never stuck with me. There's nothing I don't like about it, but there's nothing that I really like about it. It never gives me that goosebump moment and for a song that is that long and that monotonous, that's asking a bit too much for me.



12 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 9
Highest Ranking: 1 (devieira73, bosk1)


I didn't rate this. I can't think of a bigger piece of meh in their catalog. It's 42 minutes of..well..nothing. Nothing happens. It's not particularly intricate musically, especially compared to other songs. At no point does anything approach a "Holy Shit" moment.  Though truth be told, I did have Solitary Shell at #42. I actually like that song, though the '09 live version fell pretty flat.

Actually, there is one thing that this is good for though...

(https://i.imgur.com/y2qntbu.jpg)



11 In the Name of God
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 1 (marztacy, NoFred)


I had this at #32. I like the song a ton, but just never rolls off my tongue when I think of their best songs. I was so happy to see this on the Black Clouds tour, especially after missing the ToT tour.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 28, 2022, 03:43:38 PM
12 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 9
Highest Ranking: 1 (devieira73, bosk1)


I didn't rate this. I can't think of a bigger piece of meh in their catalog. It's 42 minutes of..well..nothing. Nothing happens. It's not particularly intricate musically, especially compared to other songs. At no point does anything approach a "Holy Shit" moment.  Though truth be told, I did have Solitary Shell at #42. I actually like that song, though the '09 live version fell pretty flat.

Actually, there is one thing that this is good for though...

(https://i.imgur.com/y2qntbu.jpg)


Show some respect, Tim! :rollin
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 28, 2022, 06:17:12 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 28, 2022, 06:18:18 PM
I had Six Degrees at #43 and ITNOG at #15.

pretty happy Six Degrees didn't make the top 10 truthfully.  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Dream Team on January 28, 2022, 08:46:09 PM
I think that run from Goodnight Kiss to Losing Time is pretty awesome, but the first half is very meh for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 28, 2022, 09:04:17 PM
I was way off. When Kev said a Top 5 song wasn't included in someone's Top 100, I thought it could be 6D, which was left off my list. Not totally surprised it wasn't in the Top 10, really surprised 2 other people left it off their list. TAC said what I feel.

ItNoG I have at 48. It's a good song and a solid wrap on ToT, but there is too much noodling in the soloing section that detracts from how good the rest of the song is for me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 28, 2022, 09:34:05 PM
^
I have ITNoG at #48 as well. Hmmm?  But, as to Six Degrees, I hope you aren't using it as a coaster ;)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 29, 2022, 04:45:45 AM
12 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence  #11

I am very fascinated with the theme of 6DOIT. It's an excellent suite with sections that portray a certain mental struggle. The music does a great job of presenting the emotional experience of these struggles. The best parts for me are About To Crash, ATC(Reprise), and Solitary Shell. I love the music behind these sections. It's great too how there are 6 mental issues that are presented, one of which is shown twice, which is neat in that it's reprised in the pov of the girl, rather than those who view her on the outside. The song culminates at the end with the lyrics, "Shame and disgrace over mental unrest, keeps us from saving those we love. The grace within our hearts, and the sorrows in our souls" bringing the overarching theme to a close as the band closes not only the song, but the entire theme of the album, "A journey to find the answers inside our elusive mind."

Very nice breakdown again which I follow completely. This song is an absolute masterpiece. From the epics the hardest to rank as a solid track though, it's more to me as lose parts like A Mind By Itself, but it is both vulnerable and wonderful complex in its creation. Goodnight Kiss however is the piece I love most.

12 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence #6
11 In the Name of God #55

I am really surprised a song from Train of Thought did make it to #11. I really love it though, but on This Dying Soul - to me - is much more of a masterpiece.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 underway!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 29, 2022, 11:34:49 AM
Everyone ready to start the top 10??

Away we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 Finally Free
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 3 (Laughingplace56)


An unbelievably awesome ending to one of the best concept albums ever.  I had it 14 and almost feel like I should have had it higher.  Just spectacular.


9 Scarred
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 1 (Ben_Jamin)


This has been my number 1 DT song for long stretches of my DT fandom since 1994, but currently sits all the way down at number 2.  :lol :lol  This song is just perfection.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 29, 2022, 11:56:59 AM
10 Finally Free
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 3 (Laughingplace56)


This is a great song. I have it at #33, but that doesn't mean I don't love it or think it's amazing.


9 Scarred
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 1 (Ben_Jamin)


GREAT song. I actually have it at #3. Have loved it since Day 1. So bummed that they not only didn't play it on the Awake, they also skipped it on the ACOS tour. Since I didn't go to the 6 D's show, it wouldn't be until 2007 that I finally saw it live. And the AFTR tour version is awesome.

Once In A Livetime is disappointing for many reasons but one big one is that while it finally contained a live version of Scarred, it completely skipped past the outro.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: HOF on January 29, 2022, 12:29:27 PM
I have Finally Free at 37. It’s a really good song that I like a lot, but I think it’s a bit overrated at 10. I think it’s mostly because I don’t really connect with the SFAM story on any sort of emotional or personal level. Wouldn’t ever really listen to it outside of the context of the album. That said, it is a strong close to a beloved album, so I definitely get why it’s finishing this high.

Scarred came in at 6 for me, but it’s one that is in the conversation for my favorite DT song, and probably could have finished as high as 2nd at least if I were ranking on a different day. Just an amazing song with one of my favorite instrumental passages by DT (or any other band probably). This is a top 3 JP solo for sure. Everything from “do you feel you don’t know me anymore” onward is just tremendous. The one thing holding it back for me is the heavier, operatic verses are a bit on the melodramatic side. Amazing performance from James there though. A great, great song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 29, 2022, 12:37:47 PM
Once In A Livetime is disappointing for many reasons but one big one is that while it finally contained a live version of Scarred, it completely skipped past the outro.
That's not the issue I have with it. In fact, I love the way MP had it flow right into the Darkest of Winters.

What I find disappointing was that the guitar solo was edited out, I'm guessing to ensure that everything fit on the CD, even though it wasn't necessary.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 29, 2022, 12:40:54 PM
Once In A Livetime is disappointing for many reasons but one big one is that while it finally contained a live version of Scarred, it completely skipped past the outro.
That's not the issue I have with it. In fact, I love the way MP had it flow right into the Darkest of Winters.

See, this is one of the reasons why I don't care for the FII touring cycle. I hated how ACOS was spread across different parts of the show. I hate that kind of thing.

Imagine JP chopping up Illumination Theory across the upcoming tour setlist? No.. of course not.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 underway!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 29, 2022, 12:47:08 PM
Imagine JP chopping up Illumination Theory across the upcoming tour setlist? No.. of course not.
Given that JP is anti-medley schmedley, no that ain't gonna happen. But quite frankly, I would love it if he did. I love the way that MP found clever ways to juxtapose sections of different songs together and blend them smoothly. Some he did better than others, but in any case I welcome the difference from simply playing something exactly as it is on the album. If I wanted that, I can just listen to the album itself.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 29, 2022, 12:48:49 PM
I love Finally Free. #8 for me. I am not a huge concept album guy. I want good music, and just because it's a concept album doesn't necessarily mean the music is going to be any better. The story of Scenes is good, but I don't know how much it makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Finally Free is both a fantastic song, but also a solid finale to the Scenes story.

I love Scarred as well, #11 on my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 29, 2022, 01:14:34 PM
10 Finally Free  #7

About 10 years ago this was among my top 5 songs. Now it's been bumped down to number 7 with the release of the Mangini albums. I love everything about this song, the guitar intro and the strings enhance that ending feel, that the story is coming to a close, and we are witnessing the truth of what really happened. We get a lot of the themes being resolved, and the reprise of the One Last Time section is excellent in how it's used in an entirely different context than what it's meaning is in One Last Time. I prefer the live ending on Live Scenes From New York as that I feel really summarizes the album and brings it to a close musically. This is one of the biggest reasons I went to the Distant Memories tour, I was not going to miss seeing this song live, and in the context of the album, which made this song have an even bigger impact overall.
 
9  Scarred #1

My all-time favorite Dream Theater song. I got into this song when I discovered my father had Awake in his cd collection. The bass tapping intro drew me in, and the atmosphere of the keyboards and guitars added to my enjoyment of the song. As I grew older, this song became more clearer. I view it as a song about learning from your misery, learning from your mistakes and past, and facing the dissent of others for the beliefs and perceptions you stand for. I actually enjoy the added section with JR before the "do you feel..." section on Breaking The Fourth Wall. Unfortunately, I was unable to go to the Along For The Ride tour, but I do hope that one day I will get to see this song live. Scarred and Voices are two of my top 5 songs I have yet to see live.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 29, 2022, 01:57:15 PM
Imagine JP chopping up Illumination Theory across the upcoming tour setlist? No.. of course not.
Given that JP is anti-medley schmedley, no that ain't gonna happen. But quite frankly, I would love it if he did. I love the way that MP found clever ways to juxtapose sections of different songs together and blend them smoothly. Some he did better than others, but in any case I welcome the difference from simply playing something exactly as it is on the album. If I wanted that, I can just listen to the album itself.

Yeah, I went back to OIALT for the first time in a while recently, and I had honestly forgotten that they had interspersed the different sections of ACOS throughout, but it was a really cool approach to a show IMO, and probably a better way to present ACOS than to just play the whole thing straight through in one setting (I realize they didn’t play all of it, which you could quibble with I guess). The transition from Learning to Live to The Crimson Sunset was especially effective IMO.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 29, 2022, 04:26:27 PM
Fascinating how radically different some opinions can be even this deep into the top 20. 

And I'm not immune as we shall see...

14. The Count of Tuscany - Me #42

This is certainly one of the highlights of the otherwise ho hum of BCSL.   I just wish the "sucking on his pipe" line didn't make me laugh so hard.   Definitely takes me out of what is supposed to be a very serious and ominous setup to a situation where JP was apparently very anxious.   But the music is beautiful and I'm happy I got so see one of the very few shows where this was played live. 

13. The Glass Prison - Me #11

What a freaking FANTASTIC rocker!  Some people have said they don't like the breakdown and that just blows my mind because that (to me) is where the song really hits its sweet spot.  That whole "RUN....fast...through the wreckage of the past" was my ringtone back when that came out.   And it gets even better when they get to that "INTO THE DARK....DESPERATE!!!!" etc etc.    I can't get enough of that whole section.  Actually, the entire "Restoration" section may be one of my all time favorite DT sections.

12. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Me #7

Glad to see that my two favorites from SDOIT were also the highest rated by the masses.  So many of my opinions are so far removed from the rest of the fanbase, that it actually comes a bit of a surprise when I actually agree with the crowd.  :lol   But that being said, I definitely feel a "flow" to this song.  It's structured very much the same way that different movements of a single symphony flow into a single larger piece.   My favorite is still when the guitar kicks in on the ATC Reprise.   It gave me goosebumps when I saw it at the Score show, and I think I even got a bit weepy when JLB hit the reprise of the chorus.   Just a fantastic song.   Disc 2 WAAAYYY outshines disc 1 on this album.  (the controversy/debate continues  :lol)

11. In the Name of God - #87

One of my biggest divergences from the crowd.   I'm a full 76 places lower.   Just never really connected with this song much.   I even like TOT quite a bit, I just feel like this is one of the weaker tracks from that album.  There are some decent parts, but it's a bit noodly and overlong. 

10. Finally Free - #8

Don't know what I could say that hasn't already been said.   SFAM is so beautifully rock solid from start to finish that it's tough to find a flaw.   Finally Free is one of the best concept album closers in history.   I know that Operation:Mindcrime was in "inspiration corner" when they were making the album, and people always glow over Eyes of a Stranger.  But I was never quite as high on that particular song as most people were, and I think that Dream Theater FAR outdid QR with the "masterful closing piece of a monster progressive metal concept album masterpiece"

9. Scarred - Me #6

This appears to be another controversial piece in some ways.  I've heard a few naysayers and it blows my mind (but then again, my opinion of ITNOG probably is blowing someone else's mind too sooo...  :lol ) I especially like JLB's rough and gritty delivery which is just perfect for the frustrating feel of the song.  Definitely the best song from Awake.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 29, 2022, 04:37:11 PM
I'll try to get the writeups for #12-#9 done soon, but for now I'm just here to say that Scarred was my other guess as to that Top 5 song that didn't appear on everyone's list; it didn't appear on my Top 100, but I'll say more on that at a later time.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 29, 2022, 05:54:18 PM
Those songs as Top 10 totally surprised me.
Although I think Finally Free (#88 to me) closes Scenes in a very satisfactory way, it's one of the songs that I like least on the album - just because almost the entire album is so amazing.
As for Scarred, I LOVE the intro and the outro and I like very much the song as a whole, but I do think it's a bit disjointed instrumentaly. Sure it deserved to be in my Top 100, maybe something between #70 and #90, but I FORGOT to include this song in my ranking! :facepalm:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 29, 2022, 07:06:03 PM
Speaking of the One Last Time reprisal, that has always puzzled me about the credits as far as lyrics go.

LaBrie is credited as writing the lyrics to One Last Time.

Portnoy is credited as writing the lyrics to Finally Free.

But, since that section of Finally Free has lyrics directly from One Last Time, shouldn't LaBrie have received a co-credit for the lyrics on that one as well?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 29, 2022, 07:30:21 PM
The Glass Prison is fun on a certain level, and it came in at 69. In my mind though it started the trend of DT going heavier and more over the top with each release. The 12 Step Suite was frustrating for me n general. It took up space on five different releases, and was a big contributor to my loss of interest in the band in that period.

I wanted to go back to this. Seems a lot of people love The Glass Prison. Hell, I love This Dying Soul, but a lot of people don't. The thing about The 12 Step Suite is that for the most part, they are all mediocre songs. They're all long and as you say, they "took up space" on their respective albums. I would have ZERO desire to sit through all five tracks in a row.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: HOF on January 29, 2022, 08:05:14 PM
The Glass Prison is fun on a certain level, and it came in at 69. In my mind though it started the trend of DT going heavier and more over the top with each release. The 12 Step Suite was frustrating for me n general. It took up space on five different releases, and was a big contributor to my loss of interest in the band in that period.

I wanted to go back to this. Seems a lot of people love The Glass Prison. Hell, I love This Dying Soul, but a lot of people don't. The thing about The 12 Step Suite is that for the most part, they are all mediocre songs. They're all long and as you say, they "took up space" on their respective albums. I would have ZERO desire to sit through all five tracks in a row.

It was a decent idea for a song or even a suite of songs. But couldn't it have been pulled off in two or three tracks maybe? I don't know, just felt like a huge commitment to do 5 separate pieces. Not sure how much MP had it mapped out to start, but it just felt like it overstayed it's welcome in terms of showing up on every album. I get how big of a deal the subject matter was for MP, and I don't begrudge him writing about something that important and life changing for him. It just wasn't that interesting to me personally.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 20 underway!!)
Post by: TAC on January 29, 2022, 08:06:29 PM
The Glass Prison is fun on a certain level, and it came in at 69. In my mind though it started the trend of DT going heavier and more over the top with each release. The 12 Step Suite was frustrating for me n general. It took up space on five different releases, and was a big contributor to my loss of interest in the band in that period.

I wanted to go back to this. Seems a lot of people love The Glass Prison. Hell, I love This Dying Soul, but a lot of people don't. The thing about The 12 Step Suite is that for the most part, they are all mediocre songs. They're all long and as you say, they "took up space" on their respective albums. I would have ZERO desire to sit through all five tracks in a row.

It was a decent idea for a song or even a suite of songs. But couldn't it have been pulled off in two or three tracks maybe? I don't know, just felt like a huge commitment to do 5 separate pieces. Not sure how much MP had it mapped out to start, but it just felt like it overstayed it's welcome in terms of showing up on every album. I get how big of a deal the subject matter was for MP, and I don't begrudge him writing about something that important and life changing for him. It just wasn't that interesting to me personally.

My biggest gripe was that, on the whole, they were weak tracks.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 29, 2022, 08:13:55 PM
I disagree entirely.   The first three songs IMO are top DT material.  And songs 4 & 5 work better as part of the whole than on their own.    I love my 12SS CD, although I haven't listened to it in a long time. 

The Mirror (remixed to include the Lie outro) followed by the 5 songs blended with their intended transitions seamlessly.    I was pretty proud of that mix.   
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: TAC on January 29, 2022, 08:19:44 PM
    I was pretty proud of that mix.

(https://c.tenor.com/G2_nj581njEAAAAM/aw-thankyou.gif)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 29, 2022, 08:24:13 PM
It was a decent idea for a song or even a suite of songs. But couldn't it have been pulled off in two or three tracks maybe? I don't know, just felt like a huge commitment to do 5 separate pieces. Not sure how much MP had it mapped out to start, but it just felt like it overstayed it's welcome in terms of showing up on every album. I get how big of a deal the subject matter was for MP, and I don't begrudge him writing about something that important and life changing for him. It just wasn't that interesting to me personally.

My biggest gripe was that, on the whole, they were weak tracks.

I agree with all of this. Though I still rank Root of All Evil pretty high. That is the most concise, straightforward track of the bunch (though that isn't a high bar to reach...). I get how they wanted a common musical theme throughout, since there is a common theme in the narrative, but it ultimately bogged down each subsequent track.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: 425 on January 29, 2022, 10:16:01 PM
I had to wait for the weekend to do these, because a certain someone is 42 minutes long.

Also, something interesting I noticed while listening: #12-10 are all last tracks on parts of the meta-album, so their endings flow into the beginning of the next album. Should've been Octavarium at #9 to keep it going!


12. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
My ranking: #19

I know that even the very structure of this song is controversial here (some would even dispute my use of the word "song" in this sentence). I'm a huge fan of the ambition. And I think it hangs together as well as a lot of other well-liked prog epics, thanks especially to some recurring themes. I don't think it's any less cohesive than, say, 2112. It's just a lot longer.

I'm convinced that this works a lot better as a whole piece rather than a bunch of separate parts. And I never regret the 42 minutes I dedicate to listened to the whole thing—it's an excellent experience that exceeds the sum of its parts. I do think a few of those parts are a bit weaker than the others—particularly the back-to-back duo of War Inside My Head and The Test That Stumped Them All. These aren't bad at all, but there's a dip in quality there, which is why it falls to #19.

Goodnight Kiss through the end, on the other hand, is excellent. The transition into About to Crash (Reprise) is a song highlight, and I'm a big fan of Losing Time/Grand Finale as a finisher. Really caps off the quasi-symphonic feeling of a lot of the piece.

Also, with all the people expressing surprise about how high or low this one is, I'll just say that this is exactly where I expected it to finish. Beloved enough by some to get a lot of high votes, held in high enough regard by most to have a lot of middle-high votes, but disliked by enough to keep it out of the top 10.


11. In the Name of God
My ranking: #11 (exactly the same as the consensus)

There are approximately 12 songs that feel like top 10 songs to me, and this is one of the odd two out (the other is Only a Matter of Time, my #12).

In the Name of God just has almost everything I like in Dream Theater all in one song. It's melodic and epic, yet heavy. It has a technical section that adds intensity. Its lyrics deal pretty well with a serious issue. It's a wonderful piece of music. I love the methodical, crushing riffs, the abundance of piano, the mid-song drop and build-up ("Hundreds of believers..."), the blistering unison, the grandiose ending with the Battle Hymn of the Republic... It's all awesome. Great song.


10. Finally Free
My ranking: #13

This is just barely outside of that tip-top echelon of songs, which still means I like it very, very much. This song is a masterful conclusion to one of their best albums in terms of music, in terms of storytelling, and in terms of the integration of the two. It goes through a lot of different sections, each one logically connected musically and storywise, and each one fitting the events that are being described.

My favorite is how the chilling first verse, with the line "Friday evening, the blood still on my hands" over the piano is made even more tragic by the fact that the next verse begins "Feeling good this Friday afternoon." I think that was an absolutely brilliant bit of lyricism by Mike, and the happier-sounding music on this part makes it highly effective.

But really, this whole song is fantastic. There are so many emotional moments on it if you're at all invested in the story, in particular, of course, the One Last Time reprise. Though I think the next verse ("As their bodies lie still and the ending draws near / Spirits rise through the air / All their fears disappear, it all becomes clear") is also really powerful.

I could go on and on, but this is simply one of the best songs they ever wrote and a perfect ending to one of their best albums.


9. Scarred
My ranking: #7

I love this song very, very much, and I'm glad to see it in the top 10. Scarred is just brimming with excellent moments, and it all comes together into an astounding piece with a lot of power and a clearly defined emotional arc. Petrucci is absolutely incredible here, from the obvious parts like the jazzy intro and the heavy riffs to some of the subtler touches, like the playing under the first verse. I've said before and I'll say again that I love Kevin Moore's approach on Awake to adding melody over the heavier parts, and he also makes the moments where the heaviness pulls back lovely ("What if the rest of the world").

And then there's James LaBrie. This has got to be a top five JLB song, at least. He adapts so well to all the different moods and textures at play on this song. The same guy is singing "I never bared my emotion, my passion always strong" and "Do you feel you don't me anymore" in the same song. And he carries that gorgeous "Do you feel" part from that soft, breathy beginning to "My soul exposed, it calms me to know that I won't."

This is just one of the songs that I never get tired of hearing. It really has it all. And... I have six songs above it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 30, 2022, 12:40:04 AM
10. Finally Free (#66)
It would be hard for anything to follow my #1.  Perhaps I just needed something shorter to end the story. 
 
9.  Scarred  (#45)
It’s my ‘Awake’ closer, and I think quite highly of it. Man, I would love to hear JM out front a few more times, like he was at the beginning of this.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: wolfking on January 30, 2022, 04:09:37 AM
Finally Free - I had it at 49.  I always thought it was a great song and an epic closer, but overrated in my book.

Scarred - #8.  Yeah, it's just too good.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 30, 2022, 07:56:34 AM
I disagree entirely.   The first three songs IMO are top DT material.  And songs 4 & 5 work better as part of the whole than on their own.    I love my 12SS CD, although I haven't listened to it in a long time. 

The Mirror (remixed to include the Lie outro) followed by the 5 songs blended with their intended transitions seamlessly.    I was pretty proud of that mix.

Could not agree more. The Mirror followed by the Twelve Step suite is Dream Theater at their very best. Heck, it might - to me - be the very best composed pieces of them all. If I am allowed to bring only one hour of Dream Theater to an island, it would be this suite for sure.

I can only imagine what it would like to wait for Octavarium, when The Glass Prison and This Dying Soul were already released... or what it was like to desirely wait for Black Clouds & Silver Linings, when al those steps were already released before. I must have been obsessed by this suite, if I knew of them back in those days.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: TAC on January 30, 2022, 08:24:22 AM
So your Desert Isle hour of Dream Theater would be...

The Mirror
The Glass Prison
This Dying Soul
The Root Of All Evil
Repentence
The Shattered Fortress


WOW!


And where did each of these songs rank in your DT Top 100?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 30, 2022, 08:39:37 AM
So your Desert Isle hour of Dream Theater would be...

The Mirror
The Glass Prison
This Dying Soul
The Root Of All Evil
Repentence
The Shattered Fortress


WOW!


And where did each of these songs rank in your DT Top 100?

The Mirror #10
The Glass Prison #5
This Dying Soul #7
The Root Of All Evil #41
Repentence #-
The Shattered Fortress #12

This suite to me is so much more than the sum of its parts. The way they weaved in The Glass Prison at the end of The Root of All Evil... The Mirror-lyric that reflects Awake... The This Dying Soul-riff that's been heard in The Root of All Evil... the melodic reflection of This Dying Soul... the prayer at the end of The Shattered Fortress, it's all sheer perfection and I love every minute of it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on January 30, 2022, 10:48:09 AM
The way they weaved in The Glass Prison at the end of The Root of All Evil...

Wait where is The Glass Prison in The Root of All Evil?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 30, 2022, 10:48:13 AM
Here comes numbers 8 and 7, both of which are the highest ranked from their respective albums!

8 Home
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 4 (geeeemo)


I had this at 7, which is right around where I usually put it.  This is one of those songs that I never get tired of hearing.  Pure greatness from start to finish.


7 Trial of Tears
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 1 (toro)


I don't listen to this one as much I used to, but I still love enough to have to put it at 20.  The atmosphere in this song is so good, Sherinian's solo might be the best keyboard solo in any DT song, and JLB delivers with a great vocal performance.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: Lonk on January 30, 2022, 11:01:27 AM
I had home at 15 or 16, can't remember. Trial of Tears I had at 62. It's a fine song but it has not aged well for me.

Side note: I cannot hear the phrase "it's raining" because I immediately follow it with "On the streets of NYC"  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 30, 2022, 11:39:45 AM
8 Home #12

This is the one song I first enjoyed from SFAM. My friend showed it to me one day at school, and I was like, this is amazing. Later on, he had created a forum for our group and others who wanted to join. He posted the lyrics to the album and this began my journey to hearing the entire SFAM album. If SFAM was made into one long epic song, Home would be the song used for it's lyrics and verses and musicality. The music recalls a lot of Metropolis Pt.1. I love how it does, because the concept of 'home' is part of the story...."She carried her gift from her home", "She's taken you to your home", "it's calling me back to my home." I for one do not mind the moaning samples, because think about it and it's significance to how "Home" is symbolized in this story. While Victoria is home, Julian is not home and gambling away his habits. This is why Victoria chose to cheat on him with his brother, and is the main cause of the entire situation of the story, and hence bringing the story home.

7 Trial of Tears #10

A lovely song. This is one that I really enjoyed also on L@B. It's funny because when I hear this song, I just imagine the video for Hollow Years and the band, only it's also raining. I like how it starts off slow and ambient, as if the sun is starting to rise, that early morning freshness and dew. It does remind me of a cloudy, rainy morning, and it progresses into the type of day where it's raining all day, not hard but a light rain. It's neat how even though the song does get a bit heavy, it still remains calm, with the bassline and drums keeping a steady pace, while the keyboards create a soothing atmosphere as the guitars present the emotion. The build-ups are also amazing, and work well in a live setting, taking the audience on a ride. This is another song I was sad to have missed out on. But, I do hope they bring it back again someday. It's a great song that if DT were a band that had stapled setlist songs, this one would be up there.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on January 30, 2022, 12:14:58 PM
8 Home
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
....and I know who didn't have it make their top 100 (hi Jammindude!)  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 30, 2022, 01:03:51 PM
Home is #21, Trial of Tears is #23. Two great songs, just a little out of the elite category for me.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: HOF on January 30, 2022, 01:20:38 PM
I have Home at 32. A really strong track, one of the stronger individual songs on SFAM (if taken alone apart from the concept). The middle section with the moaning holds it back for me a bit, but there is the single edit without it.

Trial of Tears was my number 3 track. What more can you say about it? It’s a beautiful track from start to finish. John Myung is all over this one. JP’s solo is exquisite. Great drumming, great keyboards, great lyrics. Top notch DT through and through. Everything just comes together so well.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Dream Team on January 30, 2022, 02:14:07 PM
Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: TAC on January 30, 2022, 02:33:51 PM
Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.

Must be a real asshole..
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 30, 2022, 02:38:26 PM
Or someone with historically weird taste in music.

And that is not the last song to be featured that didn't make all 26 lists... (but let's not guess, as we do not need any more spotlighting issues today)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: jammindude on January 30, 2022, 02:55:30 PM
8 Home
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
....and I know who didn't have it make their top 100 (hi Jammindude!)  :biggrin:

CLOSE!

But it wasn’t me. Although I will probably be almost as chastised as whoever it was, because I put it at #74.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: wolfking on January 30, 2022, 03:15:26 PM
Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.

Yeah, gotta be taking the piss.  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 10 now going!!!)
Post by: TAC on January 30, 2022, 03:36:38 PM
8 Home
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 6
Highest Ranking: 4 (geeeemo)



I'm the guilty one! I didn't rank Home. It's honestly one of my least favorite DT songs.
Firstly, I hate the intro. I do not like a Middle Eastern influence in my music. It's a huge turnoff.
This song is way too long and the verses are a mid tempo slog.
The sex scene...please, it's might be OK for Rocket Queen, but not Dream Theater.

2 positives though... The outro part is freaking awesome.
I actually don't mind the 2010 live version, where they skip the intro and go right into the song. Plus it feels like it's played a bit faster. That version gives a pretty lifeless and dull song some life.



7 Trial of Tears
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 1 (toro)



I have Trial Of Tears at #24. A great song.  FII was and always will be a three song EP for me, with Peruvian Skies/Lines In The Sand/Trial Of Tears.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: The Realm on January 30, 2022, 03:47:40 PM
Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.

Exactly! But to me this applies to a number of songs. Haven't there only been a couple that have been on everyone's list? That is the most mind blowing thing to me.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: wolfking on January 30, 2022, 03:49:44 PM
Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.

Must be a real asshole..

Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.

Yeah, gotta be taking the piss.  :lol

Definitely an asshole taking the piss then!  :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 30, 2022, 04:41:34 PM
#13. The Glass Prison. -  25. This song is always great. I hope they play it!

#12. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence  - 16. This song has so much to it. I love the classical music. Mixing classical and metal is what drew my to DT. Then the subject matter touches me. I love that I can rock out then weep with GK.

#11. In the Name of God - 39 I instantly loved this one. Again, intersting topic. But the end is a bit repetitive and sometimes I skip the last little bit.

#10. Finally Free. -  11. It took longer for me to get into this one as I listen a lot when I work out and many times dont get that far. But then, wow! What a perfect ending!

#9 Scarred. -  95. I have not been able to get into this one. But after seeing it so highly ranked, I am going to revisit it. In addition, I am going to revisit lots of DT music that I dont give enough attention to.

#8. Home  - 4. Maybe the 3rd or 4th song I ever heard from DT. I was so wowed by it. And it hasn't waned one little bit. One of the highlights for me on the last tour.

#7. Trial of Tears.  -  37. I enjoy this one.

 

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 30, 2022, 05:55:33 PM
8 Home (#10) - My fave song from Scenes. The intro, solo section and the outro are unbelievably amazing! Just a comment, I don't mind the similarity with the bass line of Tool's  Forty Six & 2, because IMO JMX perfected it and DT made a totally different song (much better in fact - and I love Tool).

7 Trial of Tears (#7) - My second fave from FII, only behind Lines in the Sand. A DT epic with a very Rush's Moving Pictures/U.K.(band) vibe. Another Derek's era song with an amazing groove. About the solo section, which is fantastic, I must point out how much I love JP's rhythm guitar beneath Derek's solo, elevating it even more!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: 425 on January 30, 2022, 10:19:21 PM
8. Home
My ranking: #21

This is undoubtedly a great song, though I think top ten is a little high for it. It's just missing that something extra special that my very top songs have. Like on many of the songs on Scenes, the story elements are woven really well into this one. I like the concept of having the three main male characters of the story singing about Victoria's role in all their lives, and their respective "homes."

The second section, The Miracle's, is definitely the best. A really good buildup, and a lot of emotion from JLB. That said, the soaring entrance from Nicholas coming out of the instrumental break is good, too. The callbacks to Metropolis are well done, and of course I'm a fan of the main riff—although I'm not a fan of the way Jordan typically plays it live.


7. Trial of Tears
My ranking: #9

This has been a top ten Dream Theater song for me pretty much since I first heard it. For years, it was my favorite song on Falling Into Infinity. At some point, it lost that crown, but not from any fault—only due to my increased appreciation for Lines in the Sand (#8).

I really just love the whole atmosphere and emotion that this song evokes. The lyrics fit it perfectly. I find something beautiful and evocative about the line "raining deep in Heaven," and that's how the whole song feels. The intro buildup is great, and the instrumental section is truly fantastic. I love these slower solos from Petrucci that build with intensity as they go on, and the keyboard solo is Derek Sherinian's finest hour with the band. And the last verse is a perfect conclusion.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!
Post by: NoFred on January 31, 2022, 01:23:53 AM
12. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, #17 roughly #3 for About to Crash, -9999 for the Overture and #17 about right for everything else. Also I’ve always felt the Losing Time persona got shorted, needed another verse to make 6! Feels like 5.5 degrees. But, About to Crash is pure greatness.

11. In The Name of God, GOAT mid-tempo metal, total monster composition… plus, it’s got Dream Theater #1. If I didn’t experience I&W then I would’ve been caught by ToT. It’s like this one group of musicians is two of my favorite groups, one each coming from those two albums.

Start with whatever works best, then Vacant, then SoC, then this. Enjoy.

10. Finally Free, maybe my first fave when Scenes came out, lots going on here. Over time I fell for side A more (3 in top 10).  Reminds me of the end of The Wall a little too much #90.

9. Scarred, #99 OK yeah I liked this a lot as the second best on Awake, but I feel like it’s by a different band… they don’t even try to be this evocative anymore. Hard to judge amongst their other songs as they’ve changed so much. I just don’t go back to it often, if ever.

8. Home, Love it even though I’m now an unapologetic side A guy. I’ve probably got it low at #16.

7. Trial of Tears, #30 same as Scarred these days this sounds as if by another band. Maybe I just lament that they gave up on working toward atmosphere and mood. Still a classic, and something I hope to hear again live. Nice to see it rank so high.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 31, 2022, 06:22:36 AM
We get closer and closer to the top...

6 Breaking All Illusions
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 13
Highest Ranking: 3 (425, DragonAttack)


Even though I had this at 40, I am not surprised it finished this high, as the fanbase as a whole seems pretty nutty over it.  This is the highest ranked song from the Mangini era.


5 Voices
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 1 (KevShmev)


My number 1 song.  Flawless in every way imaginable.  This is, IMO, the best Dream Theater song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: erciccio on January 31, 2022, 06:40:29 AM
I have Breaking all Illusions at #7 and Voices at #11
Two amazing songs, not much else to be added..


I have my #1,2,3 and 5 still in the "contest", Scarred was my #4.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Revenge319 on January 31, 2022, 06:56:51 AM
I'd be here for hours trying to explain my rankings if I did the writeups for most of these, so I'll just give my rankings.

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence: #6
In the Name of God: #35
Finally Free: #10
Scarred: Did not rank (#128)
Home: #26
Trial of Tears: #20
Breaking All Illusions: #18
Voices: #7

I'll at least give an explanation for Scarred, given its 119-spot gap between where I ranked it and where it ended up on this list.
It's similar to Take the Time for me, in that I do like the song and there is some things it does quite nicely, but it's just heavily outclassed by the majority of Dream Theater's other songs.


Oh, and regarding Voices, I think KevShmev summed it up perfectly in just one sentence.

Flawless in every way imaginable.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 31, 2022, 07:51:58 AM
6. Breaking All Illusions (#27) - It's amazing overall. That build up of JP's solo, including the increasing complexity of MM's drums are just beautiful and perfect. And the chorus is really gorgeous.

5. Voices (#5) - What can be said? One of the most perfect DT songs... THAT JP solo (with the great instrumentation beneath, that has space and really breaths), goosebumps every single time!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 31, 2022, 08:38:55 AM
10 Finally Free #27
9 Scarred #21
8 Home #38
7 Trial of Tears #15
6 Breaking All Illusions #13
5 Voices #23

I'm with Tim in here when it comes to Home. I love the way this piece is composed, but the moaning is a huge throw-the-song-away for me. The story and Arabic flavour within the song makes it obvious they're coming together at that point, doesn't need the overkill. I love the Greatest Hit-version way better, where they fade the sex.

Nice to see Awake twice in the top 10.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 31, 2022, 08:49:29 AM
I wouldn’t have had breaking all illusions that high…. The instrumentals are incredible but the vocal Melodies are weak imo.  Voices is awesome, wouldn’t be top 10 for me but it’s a killer track.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: HOF on January 31, 2022, 09:11:50 AM
Voices comes in at 25 for me. It’s a tremendous song that mostly slips to 25 because the subject matter is pretty dark. It’s one I can only handle when I’m in the right mood or if I’m listening through all of Awake, but recently I have gained more of an appreciation for it. It is a really powerful composition with some amazing performances by James and John Petrucci.

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Stadler on January 31, 2022, 09:45:56 AM
We get closer and closer to the top...

6 Breaking All Illusions
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 13
Highest Ranking: 3 (425, DragonAttack)


Even though I had this at 40, I am not surprised it finished this high, as the fanbase as a whole seems pretty nutty over it.  This is the highest ranked song from the Mangini era.


5 Voices
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 1 (KevShmev)


My number 1 song.  Flawless in every way imaginable.  This is, IMO, the best Dream Theater song.

Good call with Voices.  Then again, To Live Forever and Cover My Eyes are both top five songs for me.  To Live Forever is way down the list, and I don't expect Cover My Eyes to even make it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: The Realm on January 31, 2022, 02:21:23 PM
Voices - definitely top 5 material. Just an awesome song start to finish.
Breaking All Illusions - not surprised this is the highest ranked Mangini era song but I'm a bit surprised it finished this high.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: TAC on January 31, 2022, 08:07:24 PM
6 Breaking All Illusions
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 13
Highest Ranking: 3 (425, DragonAttack)


I have this at #7 so yeah!  Great tune. Has everything I'd want in a DT track and ADTOE let me know right off the bat that Dream Theater were alive and very well. This is the best song of the MM Era.


5 Voices
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 1 (KevShmev)


I have this at #22. Actually surprised it made the Top 5. Still, it's a great tune deserving of all of the accolades, and really needs to be revisited live.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: geeeemo on January 31, 2022, 08:44:23 PM
6.  Breaking All Illusions  -  10.   This is just an awesome song. When I was discovering DT, and bouncing around all their discography, I didnt get into this one right away. I mean, not all the songs can be one's favorite at the same time! It was months, maybe even a year before I landed on it. I mean I was stuck on Scenes for a good 3 months before I kept going thru the catalog. By then, I had grown accustomed to their style, and I was blown away. One of my favorite solos! I like the lyrics too. Some JM lyrics are, well, I need to go to poetry class. And thats not one I enjoyed. These are poetic, but not too much. The song builds to a climax and really just lives up there until the end. The only reason it isnt higher...probably because isnt long enough! A hint to the rest of my list..

5. Voices. - 49. It seems it should be higher..I really was into this when I first heard it. My husband has a decent cd collection. After a few months of my discovery of DT, I was looking through it. I didnt even know he knew of Dream Theater. He really wasnt saying much about my over indulgence - I was playing a DT song everytime we drove anywhere. Anyway, I found I&W..and Awake! I hadnt even seen this one yet. I listened and thought..who is the singer?? Lol. Voices was so different. Awake was my next big player in my car. Its faded a bit now, but I suspect I will enjoy it the same again sometime.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 31, 2022, 09:02:39 PM
With four to go, I am sure most can guess the four at this point, but it's just a matter of what the order is.  I still ask that no one spotlight and let me list them first. :)

Some fun facts about the four:

-Those four songs comprised 14 of the number 1 picks on the 26 lists.
-One of the four songs was actually left off one of the 26 lists.
-The number 1 song won pretty comfortably (total points of the four below)

1  2317
2  2189
3  2180
4  2132

I will post 4 and 3 tomorrow morning, and then 2 and 1 Wednesday morning.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 31, 2022, 09:12:39 PM
Breaking All Illusions: #27. Great song, just don't put it in the upper echelon. And that spoken word part bugs me.

Voices: #2. No other superlatives I can add that haven't been mentioned.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: DragonAttack on January 31, 2022, 09:27:40 PM
8. Home (#83)  I removed the album version and inserted the 45 version from G Hit.  My ‘detractions’ have already been commented on.  I will say, I was damn impressed with JP’s playing of it during the last two ‘Memories’ shows

7. Trial of Tears (#51)  I didn’t own FII until after the CiM tour.  At that ’07 show, for the Schmedley encore, I so enjoyed seeing MP in front of his kit and playing various cymbals and chimes with the faint synth in the background, and then they did the ‘Xanadu’ intro.  Of course, I thought they were going to play ‘Xanadu’ 😊  Anyway, certainly a top notch offering, that’s dropped in my ranking over time, but I'll have to revisit that.

6. Breaking All Illusions (#3) Twelve+ minutes that feel like three.  A tune that is great to hear driving on the freeway on a summer afternoon, or even better in the evening when one can just lay back and drift along to it. All these years later, and I still listen to it 2-3 times a month. For some reason, I hear The Beatles ‘Day Tripper’ as one of the fast guitar melodies before that wonderful dreamy instrumental begins. Glad to have seen it performed in ’12, ’14, and the I&W tour (a shame James ruins it with all the ‘Buenos Aires’ shouts and talking over the end during ‘Luna’). During the DC concert in ’12, I walked over to the now empty ‘opera’ seats at The Warner for BAI, and was about twelve feet above and ten feet from Petrucci during this song.  Can it get any better?

5. Voices (#67) I never listen to this on its own. If  I could have voted for ‘A Mind’ as one song, I’d put it in the Top 20.  Not sure if that makes sense or not, as I had ‘Erotomania’ at #13. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: 425 on January 31, 2022, 10:53:41 PM
-The number 1 song won pretty comfortably

This bit is surprising to me, considering I'm not at all confident I know what it is. I have a guess, but I wouldn't lay money on it.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 31, 2022, 11:11:34 PM
I know this thread is just a small sample size here, but I wouldn't feel confident betting a dime on what #1 is.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Elite on January 31, 2022, 11:13:04 PM
Well, it could be any of the four songs remaining, but my first guess is it’s one of the longer ones. I have all 4 remaining songs in the Top 10 in my list.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: jammindude on January 31, 2022, 11:33:18 PM
I’m absolutely 100% positive what the four are…but I’m 0% sure of the order they will be in.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on February 01, 2022, 12:30:10 AM
consider me dumb, foolish or a newby… but I am only sure about 3 of the last 4 songs…
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: NoFred on February 01, 2022, 12:42:14 AM
I’m 100% on what the top song is, plus the other 3 remaining. Will let you know if I got it wrong (I’ve got a favorite for overall #1 even though I sent a very subjective list that’s mostly been covered)

6. Breaking All Illusions, easily their most effortless song. There’s nothing here I can point out that’s *amazing* or *impossible* yet it’s undeniably beautiful. Total mastery of song dynamics and composition. EFFORTLESS, plus that (to me and family) iconic opening, #8 per the Elo ranker somehow, think I’d have it top 5 if done by hand. Should be a live staple.

5. Voices #13 finest JLB. As they say - wow, just wow... If this top 100 thread informed me of anything, it’s that Awake may be their top contribution to metal history. A combination of talent, creativity, depth and atmosphere that we may never (feel) see again.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Revenge319 on February 01, 2022, 01:23:39 AM
I really hope my #1 choice made it to the top, although I think my #2 choice will have been the one to take the top spot. Guess we'll find out sometime in the next two days!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: wolfking on February 01, 2022, 03:29:03 AM
Had BAI at 37 and Voices at 29.  I'm surprised Voices is as high as it is.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: erciccio on February 01, 2022, 03:44:41 AM
I know this thread is just a small sample size here, but I wouldn't feel confident betting a dime on what #1 is.

Me too....all the four "survivors" have chances to win, and I'm pretty sure that for each of them we can find a few voters that gave a very low ranking, affecting the final result...(e.g. not everybody seems to love I&W as much as I do...)

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: The Realm on February 01, 2022, 04:24:01 AM
100% sure on remaining 4 songs. Not so sure on the order.  I feel only one is slightly polarising though so I presume that is the one that was left off someones list but could also have been left off by mistake! I think that has happened before.

Looking forward to finding out the order.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: KevShmev on February 01, 2022, 05:28:37 AM
I present to you the first two of the top 4...


4 Metropolis Part 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 15
Highest Ranking: 1 (Elite, AnotherDimension)


This still feels, on many levels, like THE definitive Dream Theater song. I had it at 5.  It sums up everything that is great about Dream Theater in a little over 9 1/2 minutes.


3 Octavarium
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (geeeemo, Wim Kruithof, BRGM, jammindude)


While I have never considered this one of their absolute best like many do, it is still pretty great.  I had it at 33.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on February 01, 2022, 05:52:11 AM
Wow, since I finally figured out what the remaining fourth of the top 4 would be, I never thought it would be higher ranked as these two.

4 Metropolis pt. 1 #14
3 Octavarium #1

As you mentioned Kev, Metropolis pt. 1 is probably an ultimate example of what Dream Theater is all about. It has it all, beautiful vocals, stunning riffs, time signature-changes and solo's which are awesome. A lovely track which is an absolute highlight in their career.

And Octavarium, what's left to say about this one. I remember very well the first time I gave it a good listen, I was in '17 on an airplane from the Netherlands to visit my girlfriend in Rome. Although the setting was as emotional and romantic as things possibly could get, I really didn't love the song at first sight. I found the intro way too long and uninspiring, I was stunned by the weird, foolish lyrics in the Full Circle part and overall, I really missed the metal in it.

So I revisited the piece hardly ever again and I got to give the Daily Doug totally the credits for the #1 ranking as it is today. I was mentioned on this forum by his reaction video on Youtube and decided to give it a shot. He took me in the melodical parts of the piece and when I finally figured out the lyrics are a hommage to the bands they look up to... when I became to understand the complexity of Octavarium as a whole... I landed full-scale on the piece. The Razor's Edge is one of the most beautiful epic-endings of all time, I would say.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: erciccio on February 01, 2022, 05:59:20 AM
I present to you the first two of the top 4...


4 Metropolis Part 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 15
Highest Ranking: 1 (Elite, AnotherDimension)


This still feels, on many levels, like THE definitive Dream Theater song. I had it at 5.  It sums up everything that is great about Dream Theater in a little over 9 1/2 minutes.


3 Octavarium
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (geeeemo, Wim Kruithof, BRGM, jammindude)


While I have never considered this one of their absolute best like many do, it is still pretty great.  I had it at 33.

Wow, I thought Metropolis would have been in the top 3...

Anyway, for me:

Metropolis: #2. I agree, it's just a perfect summary of Dream Theater in 9 minutes...this was the song that totally changed my perspective on what is "feasible" in music, I would have never imagined at the time that "metal" music could be so technical yet so melodical at the same time..

Octavarium: #5. I love the intro, and the initial melodic section, but after that there is a long section that I have never loved that much...but just a few minutes before the end, there comes "The razor's edge" and the most amazing 4 minutes of music ever conceived by Dream Theater. The harmonic progression, the melodies and the soloing there are just orgasmic!


After this, I'm left my ,#1 and #3...
Anyway, 'it's incredible to think of the amount of "amazingness" contained in just these 4 songs...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Elite on February 01, 2022, 06:42:14 AM
Catching up..

Finally Free (#10)
My #27. A Great way to end the album, but not a song I think of as highly outside of the album. That said, listening to this one did give me goosebumps recently (while listening to the whole album). It's great, but everything up here is, really.

Scarred (#9)
My #15, but it could have been higher. Awake is my second favourite DT album and this is certainly a highlight. It's one of DT's strangest songs, because it goes lots of places without repeating a whole lot, but it contains so many fantastic moments. Glad to see this one higher than I had it.

Home (#8)
The 'big' one from Metropolis, my personal #13 One of the first songs I learned on guitar (the main riff thing, to be fair), but one that I revisit often still. This is the song that, to me, is mostly tied to the song that spawned this album, partly due to the glorious callbacks in the lyric, but probably also its placement on the album and its general structure. Love this one.

Trial of Tears (#7)
My #22, so this one is a little higher, but I can understand why. This is a fantastic track, but not one I listen to all too often.

Breaking All Illusions (#6)
This was my #37, and I've aways found this to be the weakest of the big 4 tracks on ADTOE, but I also realise I'm in the minority there, so it's not at all surprising to see this one up high.

Voices (#5)
My #11 and third favourite from Awake. This is one of their tracks that actually goes beyond their usual formula of (verse-chorus)x2-instrumental madness - chorus (exaggerating, of course), and it's great for that fact alone; this is actually a nine-minute song that brings you on a journey and it's a fantastic one. I can easily understand why someone would have this one as their #1. Also, did you know this song has one of John Petrucci's best 5 solos ever?

Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle in the Sleeper (#4)
Nooooo! This is my #1 - and it's strange to see only one other person having it as theirs. Always has been and I can't imagine it not being. This is THE quintessential Dream Theater song. This is progressive metal at its peak, as far as I'm concerned. Everything about this track is 'flawless' (because nothing ever is).

Octavarium (#3)
My #12. It probably used to be higher once, but there's too much in there that doesn't really justify its runtime (I prefer the other big one that's yet to come). Everything from 'Intervals' onwards is prog rock gold, though. Good stuff.


My #2 and #6 are left. (Rooting for my #2!) One of these two got a ton of #1 placements, I suppose, if it finished with 120 more points that number 2. Very interesting to see which one actually got left off one of the lists :)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: devieira73 on February 01, 2022, 06:53:42 AM
4 Metropolis pt. 1 (#3)
Nothing to add, if you have 10 minutes to spare, it's the song to everyone knows what DT is all about and to understand/feel how amazing they are.

3 Octavarium (#8 - nuggetz!!)
An incredible homage to the all the classic rock and prog influences on DT - a very unique DT epic!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Revenge319 on February 01, 2022, 07:20:09 AM
Looks like I was wrong about the order of the Top 4, the song that didn't appear on all 26 entries, and the song I thought would be #1! Hopefully this means that my #1 will be the #1!


Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
My ranking: #39. This is a somewhat difficult song to rank for me... Metropolis Part 1 was the first Dream Theater song I've ever heard, and would easily be guaranteed a spot in the Top 5 on a list of songs that have most influenced my musical life. Without hearing this song, I never would have checked out a couple other songs by Dream Theater, which means I never would've taken an interest in their 15+ minute songs, which means I never would have listened to the album Octavarium, which means I never would have checked out Dream Theater's other albums, which means... Well, I could keep going with this pretty large chain reaction, but I think you get the idea. I used to listen to this song non-stop, and for as much as I love it, all that constant listening has somewhat burned me out on the song. It's still a very enjoyable listen whenever I do give it a listen, but it doesn't leave as strong an impact on me as it used to. That, combined with Dream Theater having so many amazing songs, makes me feel inclined to put it around #39. But with the huge impact this song had on me back when I first listened to it, I wonder whether or not I should've put it higher... As for what happens in the song, what else is there to say? "Quintessential" is a word I've seen describing this song from time to time, and I very much agree that this is a quintessential Dream Theater song. It's got everything Dream Theater does best, with a special mention to the instrumental section. If I had to guess, that instrumental section alone is what kept me coming back to Metropolis Part 1. Regardless of where I might choose to put this song at any given time, it very much deserves a spot as high as #4.

Octavarium
My ranking: #2. I'm going to attempt to keep this one brief, because otherwise I'm gonna be giving this thing a huge writeup that would be better suited for one of those Top 50 threads, if I ever decide to make one of those. This is another song that's been very influential to my musical life; not on the level of Metropolis Part 1, but it's pretty close. Octavarium was (and still is) one of the most beautiful and fascinating songs I've ever heard. The atmospheric four-minute intro, the acoustic guitar and flute that precede the opening verse of Someone Like Him, the dark and mysterious feeling of Medicate, the variety and intensity of Full Circle, the insanely awesome climax of Intervals, and everything about Razor's Edge... I'd never heard anything like it at the time, and even now there's barely anything I can think of that's particularly comparable to this song. This is not just my second-favorite Dream Theater song, but it has a guaranteed spot in my Top 5 favorite songs of all time; probably at least the Top 3, at this current time. To call this song a masterpiece would be an understatement. There's one Dream Theater song I love more than this one, but I think I would consider Octavarium to be Dream Theater's magnum opus. A truly flawless song in every aspect, and it's a song in which there are very few songs that I can say are as great as this.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Shalev Amir on February 01, 2022, 09:00:05 AM
There is only one throne and a lot of songs that fit on it, but it's definitely Octavarium for me. It's the perfect journey and very well rounded (pun intended). Most days I'd call it by favourite song period.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: HOF on February 01, 2022, 09:11:12 AM
Metropolis Pt. 1 is definitely the track that just about broke my 16 year old brain when I first heard it. Had never experienced anything like it instrumentally or compositionally. I would listen to it over and over again on my Walkman and just sort of be transported. It’s a great great song and worthy of a top 4 finish. That said, it’s one that hasn’t aged as well for me on I&W. A combination of overplaying it and just growing away from heavier, technical music, and not loving the lyrics (they are fine, they just don’t really mean anything). It still finished at number 30 for me though (one spot below Anna Lee, how’s that for an upset?).

Octavarium, as I’ve mentioned already, has some awesome parts and some parts that always just sort of made me wince. It’s a style of DT song that I should like a lot more than I do (more prog than metal, colorful instrumental section, etc). The main criticisms are the JR intro is overlong, and the Full Circle section is just kind of silly, with the “trapped inside this Octavari YUUUUMMMM!” line being a moment that really was hard to take seriously when I first heard it. That whole album really put me off the band, but I think looking back on it now I can appreciate it a little bit more if I don’t take it so seriously. At the time though, it just wasn’t what I wanted to hear from my favorite band. I pulled up an instrumental edit on YouTube the other day, and the music itself is fantastic. Anyway, it came in at 63 for me, which might have been the only thing between it and a first place finish.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: 425 on February 01, 2022, 12:49:29 PM
I'll try to get to writeups on the #6-#2 later today. All I'll say right now is that my guess for #1 is still alive.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: The Realm on February 01, 2022, 02:26:49 PM
My guess for number 1 is also still alive. I think it was always going to come down to one of the 2 remaining songs apart from possibly the song that ended up number 4. I thought Metropolis would have finished higher than Octavarium (which is the song I thought may have missed a list as I am not sure it is loved by everyone).

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: TAC on February 01, 2022, 06:43:43 PM
4 Metropolis Part 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 15
Highest Ranking: 1 (Elite, AnotherDimension)


"This still feels, on many levels, like THE definitive Dream Theater song. I had it at 5.  It sums up everything that is great about Dream Theater in a little over 9 1/2 minutes."

I agree with what you say Kev. I have it at #9, and if there was one song to show someone who and what Dream Theater is, I'm playing Metropolis.

3 Octavarium
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (geeeemo, Wim Kruithof, BRGM, jammindude)


I have this at #2, and consider it their best written song.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: KevShmev on February 01, 2022, 06:45:23 PM


I agree with what you say Kev. I have it at #9, and if there was one song to show someone who and what Dream Theater is, I'm playing Metropolis.



And what is really wild is that there is no chorus in the song.  The fact that they managed to write that song and make it work so well with no chorus whatever to speak of is a testament to honed their songwriting skills were at a young age.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: Cool Chris on February 01, 2022, 08:12:54 PM
I have no issue with naming Metropolis their signature song. That being said, it's not even my favorite from the album it's on, and I have 17 songs ranked higher.

Octavarium is #5 for me. Loved it from the first listen. Pretty hard to make a perfect 20+ minute long song. This isn't perfect by any means, but the flaws are minor enough to skip mentioning.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: geeeemo on February 01, 2022, 08:55:04 PM
Metropolis Part 1. Its at 22. It moved up quite a bit in the last year or two for me. In my case, its the best example  of a grower. It was hard at first for me to wrap my head around it. Of all their songs, it has the most entertaining instrumental section.  And Labrie! What a showcase for him.

Octavarium. #1.....I love this song. This is my favorite song of all time. Funny, I tend to like heavier or riffier songs. But its so unique and musical and beautiful. The buildup gets me every time and I keep turning it louder and louder until I am blasting the scream. There simply is no other song like Ocatavrium.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (PLEASE NO SPOTLIGHTING!)
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2022, 06:07:59 AM
As I get ready to post the top two, I want to say thanks again to everyone who submitted a list for this, and also to everyone who has participated in this thread.  It has been a lot of fun!  :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2022, 06:11:25 AM
The top two!!

2 A Change of Seasons
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (Revenge319, Dream Team, Vmadera00, ZirconBlue)


This is sometimes a top 10 song for me, sometimes it isn't.  I had it at 8 in my initial ranking, but it came in at 15 after doing the rankings engine.  I totally get why so many consider this their best song.  It is pretty damn awesome. 


1 Learning to Live
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 18
Highest Ranking: 1 (425, TAC, Setlist Scotty, erciccio)


I had this at 3, but it ending up at number 1 did not surprise me at all.  It is another perfectly written song by the band, and very deserving of the 1 slot here. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Elite on February 02, 2022, 06:21:10 AM
Well, we all knew this, only not the order they'd appear in.

A Change of Seasons is my #2. DT's best epic, as far as I'm concerned. Fantastic song.

Learning to Live is my #6, aside from Metropolis my favourite '10-minute-song' by Dream Theater. Another great one, but not one I'd ever put at #1 so long as ACOS, Metropolis and the trifecta of amazing short songs (have you been reading my write-ups?) exist.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Lonk on February 02, 2022, 06:36:54 AM
Kev, Thank you for doing this. This was really fun to follow along with, and honestly a bit surprising to see the love some songs receive (or dislike for those out of the top 100). I know it was a lot of work but thank you!

Anyways, since I haven't follow with revealing all my rankings, I guess I'll do the top 20:

1. A change of Seasons
2. Learning To Live
3. Octavarium
4. Stream of Consciousness
5. Metropolis, Pt. 1
6. Blind Faith
7. Lines In the Sand
8. Bridges In the Sky
9. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
10. In the Name of God
11. Voices
12. In the Presence of Enemies
13. Panic Attack
14. Finally Free
15. Home
16. The Glass Prison
17. At Wit's End
18. Outcry
19. S2N
20. The Path That Divides
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: devieira73 on February 02, 2022, 06:43:01 AM
2. A Change of Seasons (#2) – If we consider 6 Degrees more like a suite of songs, I would pick ACOS as my favorite DT song anytime, since the first time I heard it on “The Dance of Eternity” live bootleg. At the time I didn’t think so - because I was already used to the bootleg version, but the official EP version was a nice improvement from the demo version, no doubt. Epic song with the best MP’s lyrics.

1. Learning to Live (#4) – It’s also a perfect and very inspired song, with the best JM’s lyrics. The instrumental part beginnig with that flamenco guitar is still one of the most amazing pieces of music I ever heard.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: devieira73 on February 02, 2022, 06:55:37 AM
Kev, now that we know all the Top 100, I'm curious about some observations that you raised previously:

- "There's is 3 songs not from those studio albums that made the Top 100." I remember To Live Forever and now ACOS. What was the third?
- "Four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100." (I&W, Awake, ToT e ADTOE?)
- "The two albums tied for the 2nd most songs in the top 100 are not among the four that have every song." (TA e SFAM?)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Lonk on February 02, 2022, 07:01:37 AM
Kev, now that we know all the Top 100, I'm curious about some observations that you raised previously:

- "There's is 3 songs not from those studio albums that made the Top 100." I remember To Live Forever and now ACOS. What was the third?
Raise the Knife?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: devieira73 on February 02, 2022, 07:18:50 AM
That's it, at #72, right? Thanks
Really well deserved, by the way.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: HOF on February 02, 2022, 07:30:23 AM
This was a ton of fun. Thanks for all the work doing this, Kev.

I had ACOS at 15, but that’s mostly just a product of stiff competition. Great song, MP’s best lyrics probably, love how it moves through the different movements. A ton of killer instrumental stuff on here. A great performance from James. The main detractor is the drum sound and the overall thin production. But in some ways that just gives it a unique, memorable sound. DT’s top epic in my book for sure, and no issue with it finishing at number 2.

Learning to Live for a certain period of time would have been my number 1. As it is today, I ranked it at number 9. But as I’ve said before, I’m not totally sold on the exact order of my top 10 and it probably could have been number 1 still on another day. Like other stuff from I&W, it’s just lost a little shine for me over time, but not enough to take it out of my top 10. What an outstanding performance by everyone in the band. I love the intro, I love the outro, I love the reference to Wait for Sleep and the little jazzy acoustic guitar bit in the instrumental. I love the line “the way your heart beats makes all the difference in learning to live.” Great stuff from Myung as always. James knocks it out. So absolutely this was a worthy number 1.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on February 02, 2022, 07:36:25 AM
I was expecting ACOS to be the 1st (my personal favorite), but LTL is awesome as well and I understand why it was placed there  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: erciccio on February 02, 2022, 08:17:09 AM
Here is my top 20!

1   Learning To Live
2   Metropolis, Pt. 1: the Miracle and the Sleeper
3   A Change of Seasons
4   Scarred
5   Octavarium
6   Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
7   Breaking All Illusions
8   Take the Time
9   Space-Dye Vest
10   Outcry
11   Voices
12   Wait For Sleep
13   The Spirit Carries On
14   Finally Free
15   Pull Me Under
16   Trial of Tears
17   Surrounded
18   The Enemy Inside
19   Illumination Theory
20   Beneath the Surface

I am super happy that Learning to Live was the winner...

It took me a long time to fall in love with it, initially I found the intro too "key-ish" and the song overall not "technical enough"..
The truth is that this song contains among others;
 - an instrumental section which is one of the most amazing pieces of music ever written (imho of course)...
 - the magic of the outro..those harmonics over the alternating tempo..just orgasmic
 - the fantastic atmosphere created by JM during the first verses, over that 6/4 + 7/4
..and everything is just so "fluent" and natural..

What's really astonishing is that these guys wrote LtL and ACOS when they were in the very early 20's...I wish I had had a 1/1000 of their talent and skills at that age...

Thanks for the super fun post!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on February 02, 2022, 08:22:37 AM
Learning to Live
My ranking: #25. I'm talking about this one first because I wanna save my #1 for last. Anyway, Learning to Live... This one's grown on me significantly over the years. I don't listen to Images and Words nearly as much as I would assume most people on here do, but when I started to consistently listen to this song at some point, I realized how much I'd been missing out on. I used to only really know this song for that one moment, but now I know it for so much more. Standout moments include the happy-sounding intro, "find me kindness, find me beauty, find me truth", the whole instrumental section, the guitar solo, the Wait For Sleep reprise... But there's two big ones. First, that one moment. 6:57. One of James LaBrie's greatest moments in DT history. The second big one is the ending, and I'm talking about everything that happens after the last chorus. Regarding album closers, I have a good amount of those ranked higher than Learning to Live (eight, to be exact). But in terms of ending an album, 10:04 and onwards is among the best endings to a Dream Theater album. Probably one of the best endings to any album, really. If the #1 spot had to go to a song other than A Change of Seasons, then I think Learning to Live is deserving of that honor.

A Change of Seasons
My ranking: #1. I'm not even sure what to say with this one. A Change of Seasons is not just my favorite Dream Theater song, but it is my favorite song of all time, from any artist out there. This is one of those rare songs that I would say are greater than perfection, if such a concept even possible. I could talk about everything I love about this song, but I'd be here for a very long time. Like with Octavarium, I'm just going to keep this brief as going into detail would take an immense amount of time. There is one thing I will mention, though. Similarly to The Glass Prison, this song has influenced my life beyond simply discovering an amazing piece of music. "Carpe Diem" is a message that I want to be able to live by as best as I can. As a whole, this song does everything flawlessly. The emotions, the technicality, the lyrics, the atmosphere... This has everything I could ever want in a song, and it is all executed with such perfection that I cannot see myself ever finding a song I love more than this one.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on February 02, 2022, 09:45:11 AM
I echo all the comments of thanks Kev! Was a lot of fun seeing how everything unfolded.

And I gotta say I'm pleasantly surprised that my favorite made it to number 1 - I actually thought for sure that ACoS would take the top spot.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: lovethedrake on February 02, 2022, 09:52:11 AM
A very worthy #1 and #2 and a super fun exercise to follow along with. Thanks Kev!

A few things that surprise me:

- Breaking all illusions making the top 10 - great song but don’t love the vocal Melodies enough for it to crack the top 10

- Voices making the top 5 - fantastic but just surprised it’s this high

- The lack of love for Fatal Tragedy and overture 1928 as top 10 songs.

Great fun. 

Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Trav86 on February 02, 2022, 10:16:41 AM
Thank you Kev! Awesome job!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: devieira73 on February 02, 2022, 10:27:53 AM
My Top 20 (yeah, I'm very biased for DT epic/more complex songs! :metal):

1.   6 Degrees
2.   A Change of Seasons
3.   Metropolis pt.1
4.   Learning to Live
5.   Voices
6.   Lines in the Sand
7.   Trial of Tears
8.   Octavarium
9.   In the Name of God
10.   Home
11.   The Glass Prision
12.   The Count of Tuscany
13.   Beyond This Life
14.   The Dance of Eternity
15.   The Dark Eternal Night
16.   New Millennium
17.   Lost Not Forgotten
18.   Bridges in the Sky
19.   A New Beginning
20.   At Wit’s End

Thanks, Kev and all of you for all the comments and deep analysis. It was just so much fun to participate in this together with such passionate fans.  :heart
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: toro on February 02, 2022, 10:36:56 AM
My top 20!

1   Trial of Tears
2   Learning To Live
3   Scarred
4   A Change of Seasons
5   Barstool Warrior
6   At Wit's End
7   Breaking All Illusions
8   Metropolis, Pt. 1: the Miracle and the Sleeper
9   Voices
10   Eve
11   To Live Forever
12   Octavarium
13   Blind Faith
14   Don't look past me
15   Hell's Kitchen
16   Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
17   Home
18   Fatal Tragedy
19   Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
20   In the Name of God

As you can see, im a big sucker for B-Side songs. I love a lot of the I&W - Falling into infinity era.
I honestly thought Octavarium was gonna be #1 given how much the song is praised around these parts, but hey, I love me some LTL. My top 5 is basically a big top 1.

This was really fun.

Also, I cant remember if Hell's kitchen actually got ranked. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown
Post by: TAC on February 02, 2022, 10:37:07 AM
2 A Change of Seasons
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (Revenge319, Dream Team, Vmadera00, ZirconBlue)


I had ACOS at #17, but I guess I still consider it a Top 15 song. AS much as I love it, and I do, they just keep on releasing so much great stuff. I love the studio version, which totally cleans up the mess that is evident on the Limelight show. Great vocal by James, especially the "I will live ooooooooooonnnnnnnnn".


1 Learning to Live
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 18
Highest Ranking: 1 (425, TAC, Setlist Scotty, erciccio)


My favorite song by any band. Period. It made such an impact on me at those early I&W shows, where they closed with it. I remember twice walking out of the venue and into the falling snow, and just being mesmerized.





Kev, phenomenal idea for a thread and fantastic execution. Great job!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown
Post by: WilliamMunny on February 02, 2022, 10:56:31 AM
The top two!!

2 A Change of Seasons
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (Revenge319, Dream Team, Vmadera00, ZirconBlue)


This is sometimes a top 10 song for me, sometimes it isn't.  I had it at 8 in my initial ranking, but it came in at 15 after doing the rankings engine.  I totally get why so many consider this their best song.  It is pretty damn awesome. 


1 Learning to Live
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 18
Highest Ranking: 1 (425, TAC, Setlist Scotty, erciccio)


I had this at 3, but it ending up at number 1 did not surprise me at all.  It is another perfectly written song by the band, and very deserving of the 1 slot here.

A big 'thanks' to you, Kev—I really wish I had jumped on board when you were taking submissions!

This thread has been a 'must read' for me all month! Such a great idea :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: geeeemo on February 02, 2022, 10:59:49 AM
Learning to Live - 28.  my favorite song from Images. Like a poster before said - the best ending for a song!

Change of Seasons -  7 - an Epic. What makes it a bit lower for me is the end. I feel like its a little ehh.



My top 20. Epics are my favorite for the most part - or long songs that are epic to me :) I probably won't have much respect here as none are from Images or Awake. While Images is  a great album and obviously without it, no Dream Theater, I am just enjoying other songs a bit more. I wonder too if its because I got into DT so late in their career. I also find it interesting that none of the Astonishing songs made it. I love this album. There is the rub - how to rate albums, having 1 or 2 top 20 songs, but the rest quite a bit lower, or the whole album filled with great songs and enjoyable as a whole. This is why Scenes and ADToE are my top 2. They have both.

5 from Scenes
3 from aDToE
2 from FII
2 from BCSL
2 From Ocatavarium
1 from 6 Degrees
1 from SC
1 from DT
2 from D/T
and COS

1 Octavarium
2 The Count of Tuscany
3 Illumination Theory
4 Home
5 In the Presence of Enemies
6 Beyond This Life
7 A Change of Seasons
8 Fatal Tragedy
9 A Nightmare To Remember
10 Breaking All Illusions
11 Finally Free
12 At Wit's End
13 Bridges In the Sky
14 Strange Deja Vu
15 Peruvian Skies
16 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
17 Sacrificed Sons
18 Lines In the Sand
19 Barstool Warrior
20 Outcry
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Shalev Amir on February 02, 2022, 11:12:31 AM
I'll share mine as well, at least how it came out in the ranker:

1. Octavarium
2. The Glass Prison
3. Lines in the Sand
4. Voices
5. The Mirror
6. In the Presence of Enemies
7. Stream of Consciousness
8. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
9. In the Name of God
10. Learning to Live
11. Erotomania
12. Metropolis
13. Finally Free
14. The Count of Tuscany
15. A Change of Seasons (originally The Alien, but I'll insert ACoS here to fit with the list rules)
16. Illumination Theory
17. Blind Faith
18. The Killing Hand
19. Fatal Tragedy
20. The Dance of Eternity
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: nick_z on February 02, 2022, 11:24:03 AM
I haven't participated, but I followed with more than a bit of curiosity  :)

Let me join the praise - thank you Kev, this was a great idea and lot of fun to read!

...and what the heck, might as well do my top 20...

1. Learning to Live
2. A Change of Seasons
3. Take the Time
4. Metropolis Pt.1
5. Space-Dye Vest
6. Lines in the Sand
7. Voices
8. Surrounded
9. Lifting Shadows off a Dream
10. Pull Me Under
11. The Mirror
12. Trial of Tears
13. The Killing Hand
14. Hell's Kitchen
15. Breaking All Illusions
16. Under a Glass Moon
17. Another Day
18. Honor Thy Father
19. A Fortune in Lies
20. Strange Deja Vu
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on February 02, 2022, 11:41:39 AM
Everyone else is doing it, so here's my Top 20:

1. A Change of Seasons
2. Octavarium
3. The Best of Times
4. Illumination Theory
5. The Count of Tuscany
6. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
7. Voices
8. Disappear
9. The Glass Prison
10. Finally Free
11. A Nightmare to Remember
12. Erotomania
13. Blind Faith
14. In the Presence of Enemies
15. The Spirit Carries On
16. Misunderstood
17. The Ministry of Lost Souls
18. Breaking All Illusions
19. Space-Dye Vest
20. Trial of Tears


Thanks for hosting this whole thing, Kev! I love seeing and making rankings of songs, and getting 26 entries to create a Top 100 Dream Theater songs list was a really great idea. I'm beginning to consider trying this myself for another artist...
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Elite on February 02, 2022, 11:55:19 AM
My top 20 is better than everybody else’s :biggrin:


1. Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
2. A Change of Seasons
3. Space-Dye Vest
4. Surrounded
5. Innocence Faded
6. Learning to Live
7. The Great Debate
8. Take the Time
9. Under a Glass Moon
10. The Spirit Carries On
11. Voices
12. Octavarium
13. Home
14. Beyond this Life
15. Scarred
16. Misunderstood
17. Outcry
18. In the Presence of Enemies
19. The Enemy Inside
20. The Mirror
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on February 02, 2022, 12:03:37 PM
My top 20 is better than everybody else’s :biggrin:

ACoS isn't #1, Take the Time and Under a Glass Moon made the Top 20, Scarred is ranked above ITPOE, The Great Debate is ranked over every other SDOIT song, Octavarium is 10 spots too low... This list gets a 2/10.

But at the same time, Misunderstood is in the Top 20, so in reality, I think your Top 20 is deserving of a 9/10.  :)  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: HOF on February 02, 2022, 12:09:26 PM
My atypical top 20:

1. 6:00
2. Lines in the Sand
3. Trial of Tears
4. Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
5. Take Away My Pain
6. Scarred
7. Hollow Years
8. Hell's Kitchen
9. Learning To Live
10. The Way It Used to Be
11. Speak To Me
12. Innocence Faded
13. Surrounded
14. Space-Dye Vest
15. A Change of Seasons
16. Another Day
17. New Millennium
18. Wait For Sleep
19. To Live Forever
20. Take the Time
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: ZirconBlue on February 02, 2022, 12:43:25 PM
Mine also has some atypical picks:


1. A Change of Seasons
2. 6:00
3. Space-Dye Vest
4. Misunderstood
5. Learning To Live
6. The Way It Used to Be
7. Lines In the Sand
8. The Mirror
9. Metropolis, Pt. 1: the Miracle and the Sleeper
10. Disappear
11. Take the Time
12. A Fortune in Lies
13. Hollow Years
14. Take Away My Pain
15. The Killing Hand
16. Voices
17. Lie
18. Caught In a Web
19. Surrounded
20. Pull Me Under
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on February 02, 2022, 12:58:51 PM
I caught this thread too late to enter a submission, but here's my top 20 for shiggles.

1. A Change of Seasons
2. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
3. Octavarium
4. The Glass Prison
5. Home
6. Trial of Tears
7. Learning to Live
8. Under a Glass Moon
9. Metropolis Pt. 1
10. Scarred
11. Voices
12. Misunderstood
13. Lie
14. Finally Free
15. Innocence Faded
16. Beyond this Life
17. Surrounded
18. The Spirit Carries On
19. Strange Deja Vu
20. Fatal Tragedy
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: 425 on February 02, 2022, 01:06:07 PM
Awesome to see Learning to Live win the crown! That's what I thought it would be, but I wasn't sure—any of those top four could have won it.

I'll post writeups for the top six when I get the chance, but I want to go ahead and thank Kev for running this and share my top 20, since others are doing so as well. I had three of the top four in my own top four, but I don't have quite the same love for A Change of Seasons that many seem to have.


1. Learning to Live
2. Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
3. Breaking All Illusions
4. Octavarium
5. Wait for Sleep
6. Surrounded
7. Scarred
8. Lines in the Sand
9. Trial of Tears
10. The Bigger Picture
11. In the Name of God
12. Only a Matter of Time
13. Finally Free
14. Voices
15. Vacant
16. Stream of Consciousness
17. A Change of Seasons
18. In the Presence of Enemies
19. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
20. Under a Glass Moon

So that's:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Elite on February 02, 2022, 01:24:13 PM
So do we know who left off ACoS from their list altogether? :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 50 now going!)
Post by: Lonk on February 02, 2022, 01:39:10 PM
So do we know who left off ACoS from their list altogether? :biggrin:

Maybe Cool Chris.

And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.

Have a hunch this involves me.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2022, 02:02:35 PM
So do we know who left off ACoS from their list altogether? :biggrin:

I do, but I will leave it up to that poster to show his face.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2022, 02:08:16 PM
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: The Realm on February 02, 2022, 02:09:34 PM
Brilliant thread and well done to everyone who contributed. Upon initially seeing this thread my first thought was that Learning to Live would be number one.

First reaction surprises to me were the rankings of Pull Me Under (too low) and Breaking All Illusions (too high). Also leaving A Change of Seasons off a list? Maybe a mistake?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: The Realm on February 02, 2022, 02:10:08 PM
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)

Has to be Maiden doesn't it?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Wim Kruithof on February 02, 2022, 02:12:31 PM
I'm stunned that Learning to Live made it to #1, but that's probably because I came in when they where 13 studioalbums in already. It's beautiful though, but this I didn't see coming. Shout-out to KevShev, he kept me hooked on this thread for quite a while.

20 Outcry
19 The Killing Hand
18 Barstool Warrior
17 The Ministry of Lost Souls
16 A Savior in the Square
15 Trial of Tears
14 Metropolis pt. 1
13 Breaking All Illusions
12 The Shattered Fortress
11 Beneath the Surface
10 The Mirror
09 Lie
08 Bridges In the Sky
07 This Dying Soul
06 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
05 The Glass Prison
04 The Count of Tuscany
03 A Change of Seasons
02 Illumination Theory
01 Octavarium

1x When Dream and Day Unite
1x Images and Words
2x Awake
1x A Change of Seasons
1x Falling Into Infinity
2x Six Degrees of Inner Tubulence
1x Train of Thought
1x Octavarium
1x Systematic Chaos
2x Black Clouds and Silver Linings
4x A Dramatic Turn of Events
1x Dream Theater
1x The Astonishing
1x Distance Over Time
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Dream Team on February 02, 2022, 02:39:13 PM
So do we know who left off ACoS from their list altogether? :biggrin:

I do, but I will leave it up to that poster to show his face.  :biggrin:

Well apparently Kotowboy isn’t around anymore or he’d be my suspect . . .
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: NoFred on February 02, 2022, 03:10:44 PM
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)

Yeah thanks for doing this, did you plan it to end at start of the tour? Good way to pass the time.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: TAC on February 02, 2022, 03:20:40 PM
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)

So...back to trolling? :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: HOF on February 02, 2022, 03:30:56 PM
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)

So...back to trolling? :lol

Top 100 Taylor Swift Songs coming to a General Music sub-forum near you. ;-)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2022, 03:38:16 PM
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)

So...back to trolling? :lol

Top 100 Taylor Swift Songs coming to a General Music sub-forum near you. ;-)

Don't tempt me...;)

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bf/a8/67/bfa867b75fa9749539668ff90826d472.gif)
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on February 02, 2022, 03:40:03 PM
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)

So...back to trolling? :lol

Top 100 Taylor Swift Songs coming to a General Music sub-forum near you. ;-)
Does Taylor Swift even have 100 songs?
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on February 02, 2022, 03:40:46 PM
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
After seeing this, I was thinking of starting a thread to do Rush. Curious how much interest that would get.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2022, 03:43:42 PM

Does Taylor Swift even have 100 songs?

Close to 200, actually, at last count.

And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
After seeing this, I was thinking of starting a thread to do Rush. Curious how much interest that would get.

I was thinking Rush or Maiden would be the next I would do.  I'd wanna do one that is popular enough to get 20+ rankers, and I think both of those bands would fit the bill. 
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 02, 2022, 03:45:38 PM
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)

So...back to trolling? :lol

Top 100 Taylor Swift Songs coming to a General Music sub-forum near you. ;-)
Does Taylor Swift even have 100 songs?

As per this list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_by_Taylor_Swift
209 songs (including a couple of covers, live, a piano versions)
She also has a list of unreleased songs there:
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: HOF on February 02, 2022, 03:49:31 PM

Does Taylor Swift even have 100 songs?

Close to 200, actually, at last count.

And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
After seeing this, I was thinking of starting a thread to do Rush. Curious how much interest that would get.

I was thinking Rush or Maiden would be the next I would do.  I'd wanna do one that is popular enough to get 20+ rankers, and I think both of those bands would fit the bill.

I’d be down for Rush!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2022, 03:53:09 PM
Let the record show that I did not bring Taylor Swift into this thread...but she is a relentless writing machine!  :hat :hat

Anyway, I might put up a poll in General Music to see what artist/band the community wants to do next.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on February 02, 2022, 04:13:22 PM
Maiden and Floyd are about the only other bands I could pull this off with any degree of certainty.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: WilliamMunny on February 02, 2022, 06:00:47 PM
Been on a massive Tool kick lately—that would be my vote for the next band!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on February 02, 2022, 06:03:42 PM
So do we know who left off ACoS from their list altogether? :biggrin:

Maybe Cool Chris.

And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.

Have a hunch this involves me.

Nope. I have both ACoS and LtL in my Top 5 - I don't have my list handy.

I totally overestimated where 6DoiT would be; I thought that had a chance of being Top 5, but it wasn't, and was left off more lists than just mine.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on February 02, 2022, 06:45:59 PM
Been on a massive Tool kick lately—that would be my vote for the next band!
Just doing some quick counting, I think Tool only has 68 tracks....so a top 50 could be in order!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: sylentman on February 02, 2022, 06:50:14 PM
Hello! I don’t post that often and missed participating here as was traveling during Xmas and New Year, but i followed this post and was every day anxiously waiting for the next ranking post from Kev.
So, as others have already said, many thanks Kev and all that submitted their rankings together with all that posted on follow up comments, you helped bring an interesting read and relaxation during this past month or so where have been very busy at work.

I thought ACOS was going to win when i saw Metropolis Pt.1 ending at 4, but understand any of the top 4 could have taken the podium.
I think my biggest shocker was Take the Time at 26, which i would have expected in the top 10 give or take.

Thanks again, and hope to participate in the future when it’s re-done with AVFTTOTW :).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: TAC on February 02, 2022, 07:02:09 PM
Doing Rush next would be a great idea!
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: 425 on February 02, 2022, 07:05:36 PM
I would absolutely submit a list for Maiden. Rush would be an interesting thread to follow, but I wouldn't submit a list because I still haven't spent much time with the post-Grace Under Pressure albums (outside of Clockwork Angels). I would listen along though, and it might be an interesting way for me to get into that material.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2022, 07:35:04 PM
Doing Rush next would be a great idea!

Any submitted list that does not have at least four songs from Power Windows in its top 25 will be disqualified.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: TAC on February 02, 2022, 07:36:45 PM
I'll take my chances. :lol
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Dream Team on February 02, 2022, 07:48:15 PM
Maiden and Floyd are about the only other bands I could pull this off with any degree of certainty.

For 100 I could do Elvis, Beatles, Maiden, Priest, Metallica, Scorpions, Heart. Several more if reduced to top 50 including Rush. I’d wager Rush, Metallica, Maiden or Floyd would get the most votes.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2022, 07:52:32 PM
Yeah, I'd probably go top 50 with the next one as opposed to top 100.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Cool Chris on February 02, 2022, 07:55:00 PM
Kev, I didn't say earlier but thank you for running this, I enjoyed every bit of it (except for having to rank the Astonishing songs).

If we lower the threshold to 50, which I think is a good idea, we could get more participation. 100 songs is a lot! Let me know if I can help in any way.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: TAC on February 02, 2022, 07:55:46 PM
My Top 20..

1   Learning To Live     
2   Octavarium     
3   Scarred     
4   The Killing Hand     
5   Space-Dye Vest     
6   Lines In the Sand     
7   Breaking All Illusions     
8   Take the Time     
9   Metropolis, Pt. 1: the Miracle and the Sleeper     
10   Disappear     
11   The Count of Tuscany     
12   Endless Sacrifice     
13   The Best of Times     
14   Fatal Tragedy     
15   Lost Not Forgotten     
16   Outcry     
17   A Change of Seasons     
18   The X Aspect     
19   This Dying Soul     
20   A Fortune in Lies
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: MrMike on February 02, 2022, 09:00:17 PM
This was a lot of fun to follow.  I say do it again in a year with AVFTTOTW included.  Maybe by then I'll be familiar enough with the whole catalog to participate.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: BRGM on February 03, 2022, 02:50:08 AM
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps!  It was a lot of fun.  :tup :tup

Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)

Yes! Like everyone else has said, great job Kev. It's been really fun to follow this thread.  :) I'd be up for a top 50 for anything Neal Morse, Steven Wilson, Rush, Genesis or Pink Floyd  :D

For the record, this was my top 20.

1. Octavarium
2. The Count of Tuscany
3. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
4. In the Name of God
5. Trial of Tears
6. Finally Free
7. The Glass Prison
8. In the Presence of Enemies
9. The Great Debate
10. Illumination Theory
11. Blind Faith
12. Lines In the Sand
13. A Nightmare To Remember
14. Hell's Kitchen
15. Misunderstood
16. Beyond This Life
17. Fatal Tragedy
18. Surrounded
19. Learning To Live
20. A Change of Seasons


Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: wolfking on February 03, 2022, 04:09:02 AM
My top 20;

20. The Great Debate
19. Honor They Father
18. Trail of Tears
17. Innocence Faded
16. Fatal Tragedy
15. In the Name of God
14. The Mirror
13. These Walls
12. Behind the Veil
11. At Wit's End
10. The Count of Tuscany
9. The Glass Prison
8. Scarred
7. Metropolis
6. Blind Faith
5. Illumination Theory
4. A Change of Seasons
3. Learning to Live
2. Octavarium
1. This Dying Soul
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Revenge319 on February 03, 2022, 05:32:55 AM
Regarding future lists of other bands you could do, I'd be interested in participating in one for Haken or Porcupine Tree (although they'd have to be reduced to a Top 50).
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on February 03, 2022, 10:02:49 PM
Regarding future lists of other bands you could do, I'd be interested in participating in one for Haken or Porcupine Tree (although they'd have to be reduced to a Top 50).
I'm fairly certain there are enough songs by Porcupine Tree to do a top 100. Haken not so much.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on February 03, 2022, 10:54:18 PM
4. Metropolis Part 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper (intended #6)  deserves all the accolades it receives.  It has the most memorable and spotlight moment for JM.  The song also spawned a later album. 

3. Octavarium (#10) if for nothing else but ‘The Razor’s Edge’, which would be my ultimate setlist concert closer.  fwiw, on my ‘best of III’, it closes with BAI, and ‘Score’ versions of TSCO and this song.  I always play it when returning from overnight trips with the wife, especially after NYC.  "We move in circles, Balanced all the while, On a gleaming razor's edge. A perfect sphere, Colliding with our fate, This story ends where it began”  Hell, we’ve driven around a couple of extra blocks just to hear the whole song as our story ends where it began ;)  (but with ‘thank you, New York’ shouted by JL and later MP)  JP makes that guitar sing, and to be able to play it and pose the way he does at the end….pure air guitar heaven!

2. A Change of Seasons (#87)  totally enjoy the beginning, various other parts, but as mentioned earlier, I’m not a big fan of most 12+ minute songs.  And yet, being 'old school' (or just 'old'),  I've listened to just an 'album side' of a CD too many times to count.

1. Learning to Live (#42) I placed ‘Wait For Sleep’ at #41.  Of course I’ve always enjoyed this.  Guess it got overshadowed by all that appears earlier.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: DTwwbwMP on February 03, 2022, 11:05:59 PM
Here's my top 20.....just because I can ;) but SO many great songs left out :'(

1. Metropolis, Pt. 1
2. A Change of Seasons
3. Voices
4. In the Name of God
5. The Glass Prison
6. Octavarium
7. Overture 1928 / Strange Deja Vu ;)
8. Endless Sacrifice
9. Trial of Tears
10. Dance of Eternity
11. Peruvian Skies
12. Fatal Tragedy
13. Home
14. Erotomania
15. Learning To Live
16. Lines in The Sand
17. Surrounded
18. The Mirror
19. Through Her Eyes
20. Lost Not Forgotten
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: 425 on February 09, 2022, 12:07:48 AM
I keep meaning to do writeups on the top six and keep delaying... Here they finally are, in case anyone still cares:


6. Breaking All Illusions
My ranking: #3 (tied for highest placement of this song)

I'm very happy with this landing spot for a song very late in the band's career. This has been one of my favorite Dream Theater songs since shortly after I first heard ADTOE. It stood out to me immediately as a special track, and pretty quickly reached elite status for me. What can I say about how great this one is? There are just so many wonderful melodies all over this song. It's grand and uplifiting, with beautiful lyrics that pair perfectly with the music. The first few minutes (from the intro through "My spirit brings me home") are especially wonderful, as is Petrucci's enchanting solo.

When I did my top 50 thread in 2014ish, this was my number one. And I could still make a case for it as my favorite song today. There are just two songs that I come back to a little more often.


5. Voices
My ranking: #14

This is a fantastic song that just falls short of my top ten. Like a lot of their best songs, but to an even greater extent than most, this song is characterized by dynamics. There are some incredible quiet sections, like the first vocal part and the "I'm kneeling on the floor" section, and intense, heavy sections. Awake is probably JLB's best album overall, and he definitely offers an incredibly varied performance here that hits the right tones for every part of the song. And then, of course, there's the JP solo.

The main thing that's holding this back from the top ten is probably the fact that I don't connect with the lyrics as well as I do on most of the songs that are higher. That's not a dealbreaker, but it's something that makes a difference when comparing songs that are very close.


4. Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
My ranking: #2

What can be said about Metropolis Pt. 1 that hasn't been said many times before? As Kev put it, this feels like the definitive Dream Theater song, the song that sums up everything great about them in under ten minutes. And it comes close to being the Dream Theater song for me. There are so many incredible twists and turns, changing melodies and rhythms moving in and out of one another, and yet the whole thing feels completely cohesive. The instrumental section is definitely the longest and most complex piece of instrumental music that I can imagine start to finish in my mind. It's so zany, yet there's a logic and a structure to it all. The best part in that section for me is definitely the keyboard/guitar unison, which is good melodically while also being incredibly impressive.

Amidst all those acrobatics, there's a lot of heart to this one, some really powerful emotional moments, even though the lyrics aren't fully sensical. "The night shed a tear to tell her of fear / And of sorrow and pain she'll never outgrow." "I was told there'd be no one to call on when I feel alone and afraid / I was told if you dream of the next world, you'll find yourself swimming in a lake of fire," and then the whole entire section after that. Those moments are really powerful. And JLB is straight-up dominant on this song. With no true chorus and seemingly one verse after another, he has to really put his voice through the paces, and does an incredible job of it.

This is a song I absolutely never get tired of, and always enjoy listening to. It's one of my favorite songs in the world.

And it's not my favorite song on Images and Words.


3. Octavarium
My ranking: #4

Some people debate chocolate vs. vanilla, some people debate Ford vs. Chevy, we debate A Change of Seasons vs. Octavarium. Count me as a partisan on the Octavarium side of that debate. I'll explain why A Change of Seasons ends up outside my top ten on the writeup for that song, but as to why Octavarium lands at #4:

I love a good buildup. It's one of the things in music that excites me most, and the grandiosity of the buildups you hear in the genres is one of the reasons I love metal and prog. Octavarium, to me, is the ultimate build-up. If you know one that you think is better, please tell me what it is, either so I can tell you you're wrong or hear it myself. This song builds stage by stage for almost 20 minutes! Each stage is melodically interesting in its own right, but also clearly carries momentum forward into the next stage. Count me as a lover of every second of the three minute and twenty-six second continuum intro, the bass pedal solo, the moog solo, the jingle bells part, all of it. The transitions between sections are particularly excellent—just think of the magic in the transition from the continuum/steel guitar intro to Someone Like Him, the moment where the bass motif of Medicate kicks in, the moment where the Full Circle keys kick in, and, of course, the part where the song settles in for the Intervals vocal section.

The build is masterfully executed both over the course of the 20 minutes and within the Intervals section itself, structured perfectly to make "Trapped inside this Octavarium" a moment of incredible tension and release. And then Razor's Edge pays it off completely. The delay and the little keyboard moment after the last "this Oct- a- var- i- um," the kick in of the orchestral part, JLB's soaring vocal, and then that solo... it's perfect.

There are days when this could be my favorite Dream Theater song. The reason I have it at #4 is because I have a greater emotional connection with the top three songs. They touch me because of their lyrics and the paired music, while Octavarium doesn't have that emotional touch. It is a perfectly constructed thrill ride that makes me feel profound admiration for the musicians who made it, and there are moments that touch me (especially in the first two sections and Razor's Edge), but it doesn't speak to my life experiences the way that Breaking All Illusions and #1 do, and its touching moments aren't nearly as powerful as those in Metropolis. Still, it's an utterly amazing experience.


2. A Change of Seasons
My ranking: #17 (interesting that my rankings of this and the next one are identical to TAC's)

This is a song I like a lot, but have never put in very highest class of Dream Theater songs. I think it's grown on me some over time; as I recall, I had it somewhere in the 30s back in 2014, but now have it in the top 20. It has a lot of parts that are very good or great, including some that are emotionally powerful (the end of Carpe Diem, Another World, The Crimson Sunset). But I think a lot of the parts are only very good, not great. For example, the Innocence section. It's good, I like listening to it, but it doesn't have that something extra.

Another World, on the other hand, is absolutely superb, easily the best part of the song. A great exercise in tension and emotion, with a wonderful JLB performance. And The Inevitable Summer is an excellent instrumental follow-up. Actually, the whole second half is superb, quite a bit stronger than the first half, in my opinion.

The whole song is greater than the sum of its parts, but only somewhat better. I think this is actually one of their less cohesive epics, certainly less cohesive than Octavarium or In the Presence of Enemies. That's not a mortal sin, but it's the sort of thing that translates to a top 20 placement instead of a top 10 one. (Incidentally, I find it interesting that people accuse Six Degrees of feeling like a bunch of songs put together, when I think that it and A Change of Seasons fall in about the same place on the spectrum of "smaller songs put together" to "unified long piece.")

This is definitely a piece that deserves a place in Dream Theater's hall of fame, but for the reasons I've given, I wouldn't put it in the inner circle.


1. Learning to Live
My ranking: #1 (tied for highest placement of this song)

Yay, the right choice was made! :D

There were years where I would have named Breaking All Illusions my #1, but this is the song that means most to me (definitely by DT, probably by anyone), and this is the song that has to be #1.

Musically, I'll just say that this is a perfect song. It's brimming with melodies, it combines the technical and the emotional in a way that comes down a little closer to the emotional end of the spectrum than Metropolis, which is good, while still having plenty of fireworks (the solo right after the F#5? insane). All the players are clearly present and contribute important elements, including a lot of bass, which is cool. It also reprises another top five song, Wait for Sleep, casting its main piano part in a different context. JLB is incredible, and brings all the right emotions. The F#5 is a defining moment for him, and the solo section that contains it is a defining sequence for the band.

The lyrics here are amazing, and are in complete accord with the song emotionally. They've always struck a chord with me. They're uplifting and inspiring, acknowledging struggle while never treating it as the final word on human life. I have to say, events in the world and in my life in the last couple of years have made this song even more poignant to me. The common fear that's all spread out was, originally, the HIV epidemic, but now it's, well, you know. And there was a time for me recently where it felt all too real to say, "Once I reached for love and now I reach for life" (I'm doing better now).

That final line is perfect, too. "Through nature's inflexible grace I'm learning to live." "Inflexible grace" is just a perfect way of capturing it. Nature is what it is, it doesn't bend to satisfy our wishes. But the world isn't such a bad place for us if we "learn to live," and it certainly has its beauty.

I will never get tired of this song. It's the only choice for my #1.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: DragonAttack on February 09, 2022, 07:10:34 AM
I keep meaning to do writeups on the top six and keep delaying... Here they finally are, in case anyone still cares:

I, for one, am glad you did.  As I mentioned earlier, I wish I could have written my recaps as in depth and half as well as yours. 

I learned a lot throughout this thread, not only about the songs, but had very similar opinions on songs as some others that I had thought we'd be on somewhat opposite ends of the spectrum.  I hope people keep chiming in on this thread.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: Setlist Scotty on March 04, 2022, 03:22:46 PM
So Kev, while we're waiting for the Rush thread to get back on track, can you post the full list of DT songs? I'm curious as to how the rest of the songs ranked.
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: KevShmev on March 04, 2022, 07:30:34 PM
I am pretty sure I put the whole list somewhere in this thread at some point, not in the original post, but cannot remember exactly when or where.  Do some digging and you'll find it. :P
Title: Re: Top 100 Dream Theater songs countdown (Top 2 revealed!!)
Post by: jammindude on March 05, 2022, 08:34:30 AM
I don’t think I ever posted my thoughts on the top two. So I’m hoping to get to that today.

The short version of what’s going on is that after 25 years I finally left the construction trade it to become an electrical inspector for a small local city. i’ve been in the electrical trade for 30 years, but they are training me to become a building inspector as well. So over the course of the last eight weeks I feel like a first-year law student because I’m just cramming my head full of building codes (plumbing…framing…mechanical…fuel gas…everything) and while I’m having a lot of fun doing it, my brain has kind of hit the saturation point and I’m about to explode. Learning code has literally taken over my life the last two months.